§ 50. Mr. E. SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the floating of a loan, or take other steps, to enable a national housing scheme to be carried out for the provision of adequate housing accommodation for working people at rents of 10s. a week, and bungalows for old people at rents of 5s. a week?
§ Sir K. WOODThe suggestion of the hon. Member has been considered from time to time in the past. Local authorities are now actively engaged in providing low-rented houses in connection with slum clearance schemes and schemes for the abatement of overcrowding, and are experiencing no difficulty in financing their operations at reasonable rates of interest. I am satisfied that the facilities at present available for the purpose are sufficient.
§ Mr. TINKERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether nothing could be done for the old people to get houses at cheap rents, as 10s. a week for a man and his wife is too much?
§ Sir K. WOODA great deal is being done.
§ 54. Mr. E. SMITHasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the need for a reduction in the rents of all working-class houses, including the abolition of the increase allowed on the pre-War rents, and introduce legislation amending the present Acts?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Rent Restriction Acts still have more than two years to run, and I think that at the present date it would be premature to consider what, if any, future action may be required.
§ Mr. SMITHWill the right hon. Gentleman reconsider his reply? In view of the fact that wages have been reduced since 1925 by 50 per cent., is it not time that rents were also reduced?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is something else.