§ 50. Miss RATHBONEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that 1035 the housing committee of Liverpool City Council is asking the permission of the council to increase the corporation contribution allowed for in the estimates in respect of houses completed under the 1924 Housing Act from £11,810 to £31,650; and whether, in view of the fact that the Liverpool Corporation has adopted no method of carrying out the principle laid down in Circulars 1334 and 1138 of the Ministry, that the benefit of subsidies should not be given to tenants who do not need them nor be continued for longer than they need them, this proposal to increase the rate charge on Liverpool houses has his approval?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)My right hon. Friend's attention has not been called to a proposed increase in the corporation's estimates in respect of houses erected under the Act of 1924. It would not be proper for him to express an opinion upon a recommendation of a committee to the council. Subject to the rents charged in respect of the houses not exceeding in the aggregate an amount ascertained in the manner prescribed by the Act, any deficiency, after allowing for the Exchequer subsidy, is the responsibility of the local authority and is not a matter for my right hon. Friend's approval.
§ Mr. RATHBONEIs the hon. Member aware that since this question was put down the city council has consented to the proposed increase, which averages 3d. per week for each of the tenants relieved, and does he consider that that is a profitable use to make of the subsidy?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREIf the council has adopted the report of the Committee no doubt we shall be in a position to know to what cause the increase is due, and I will consult with the hon. Lady at a later stage.