§ 29. Sir PERCY HURDasked the Minister of Health how many housing authorities have taken advantage of their powers to make arrangements for the provision of houses by public utility 170 societies, etc., for wage earners at low rentals; and whether he will consider the removal of any impediments which experience has proved to exist in the fuller use of these powers?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREAs my hon. Friend is aware, the Moyne Committee has recently made recommendations on the part which might be played generally in housing matters by public utility societies and their recommendations on this subject are being considered in connection with the legislation which, as has been announced, the Government propose to introduce.
§ Sir P. HURDMay I ask whether the scope of that legislation will permit of anything like a freer use of public utility societies for dealing with the general housing question?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI would rather not anticipate that statement, but one hopes that it will be possible to give fuller powers to public utility societies.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIf the Government find that public utility societies are not meeting this urgent need, which is for houses at low rentals, such as those with small wages can pay, will they increase their subsidy?