HC Deb 19 July 1934 vol 292 cc1251-2
28. Mr. GROVES

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the Report of the National Housing Committee in which it is stated that the attitude of the Treasury seems to have been governed by the view that the need for subsidies for the housing of the workers was temporary, and that the Treasury has been concerned rather to limit the commitments of the national Exchequer in relation to housing than to consider the best financial methods of carrying through a national housing scheme; and what action does he propose to take to put into operation the recommendations of this committee?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am aware of the report referred to. I do not at all accept the statement quoted from that document or that it represents accurately the attitude of His Majesty's Government or of any Department of Government.

Mr. GROVES

As this report has been circulated not only to Members of Parliament but to the public generally, if the right hon. Gentleman does not accept the findings, will he make some representation to them, or may we assume that the view of the Ministry is that the National Housing Committee does not know what it is talking about?

Sir H. YOUNG

The prospect opened up by the hon. Member's suggestion that there should be an immediate refutation of every document circulated by a private authority is a very formidable one.