HC Deb 29 May 1935 vol 302 cc1134-5
56. Major MILNER

asked the Minister of Health whether he can state what rate per cent. on the amount advanced covers the administrative expenses and losses, if any, of local authorities making advances under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The ordinary allowance made for this purpose is ¼ per centum.

Major MILNER

Does not the figure indicate that these transactions are all carried through at a loss?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

No, local authorities get loans from the Public Works Commissioners at 3¼ per cent. and charge one quarter per cent. for management and administration expenses.

Major MILNER

Does not that indicate that all the transactions are carried through at a loss because one quarter per cent, does not cover the expenses of local authorities

Mr. PETHERICK

May I ask whether the one quarter per cent. includes, as it should include, a contribution towards the rent of the offices of a local authority, the expenses of staff, and other incidental expenses?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I should say probably not.

57. Major MILNER

asked the Minister of Health whether he can give details of the sums, if any, lost by local authorities since 1925 in respect of advances made to property owners under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

My right hon. Friend regrets that the particulars desired by the hon. And gallant Member could not be obtained without disproportionate labour, but the financial returns made by local authorities in England and Wales indicate that taken as a, whole the losses are not considerable.

Major MILNER

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say why local authorities should continue to support private capitalists in this way?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I do not think we can discuss that question.

Mr. ANEURIN BEVAN

Can the hon. Member say what excessive labour is involved in obtaining this information? Every local authority has it.

Major MILNER

Will the hon. Member endeavour to obtain it?