§ 26 and 27. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in view of the disclosures in regard to the use by building speculators of inferior materials in house building and the victimisation of house purchasers consequent thereon, the Government is proposing to appoint a committee of inquiry into the matter;
(2) whether, in view of the complaints now being made in all parts of the country by persons who have been led to purchase houses built of bad and unsuitable materials, under what amounts to false pretences, he is considering how to meet these complaints and to redress the wrong done to these persons?
Sir H. YOUNGI am not at present aware of the disclosures to which the hon. Member refers or of any general complaints such as those he mentions. As I informed him in reply to a previous question, I am prepared to make inquiry into any cases brought to my notice in which the nature of the defects in houses purchased affords prima facie evidence that by-laws are not being enforced. I am not satisfied of the utility for any other action.
§ Mr. HICKSWhat steps does the right hon. Gentleman consider it would be proper to take in order to invite him to make the necessary inquiry? Would representations from tenants who have been victims of this sort of thing, or from 1870 municipal councillors who have had experience of it, made to the Department be considered adequate for the Minister to make the inquiry?
Sir H. YOUNGThe hon. Member knows that in the future, as in the past, I should be most willing and eager to listen to any information which he could bring to my attention on the subject.
§ Mr. HICKSDo I understand that, if the information is brought, the Minister is willing to take the necessary steps to have an inquiry? In view of the disclosures which have taken place in the Press and in the country, is he willing to consider the setting up of a committee of inquiry in order to verify the facts?
Sir H. YOUNGIf the hon. Gentleman will call my attention to any information he has at his disposal on the subject, I will certainly discuss it with him and consider what steps will be appropriate.
§ 28. Mr. HICKSasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the adoption of such measures and regulations as will ensure that before building societies loan money for house purchase the house or houses will be surveyed in question upon the basis of a minimum standard as regards materials, durability, and suitability?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir, it is not in my power to regulate the operations of building societies in the manner suggested.
§ Mr. HICKSIs it not within the power of the Minister to guide the building societies, and is he willing so far as the purchase of houses is concerned, to take steps under the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Act, that is to say, that before money is advanced under the Small Dwellings (Acquisition) Act the Minister shall be satisfied that the houses are to be built of the standard commonly approved as being ordinarily durable for the purpose for which they are erected?
§ Mr. HOLDSWORTHWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he is of the opinion that building societies do not do what is asked in the question?
§ Sir WILFRID SUGDENDoes not my right hon. Friend think that the building societies of this country are scrupulously careful in respect of the conditions 1871 and methods under which moneys are loaned and that the houses built are suitable for the working people of this country?
Sir H. YOUNGThe supplementary question asked by the hon. Gentleman the Member for East Woolwich (Mr. Hicks) is another question of which I should have had notice, and, in reply to the second and third supplementary questions, undoubtedly it is in the interests of the building society to consider the value of the security. It would be very foolish of it indeed if it did not.