HC Deb 21 January 1937 vol 319 cc333-4
37. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a majority of the Leeds City Council are refusing to allow their housing director to undertake the building of municipal houses, notwithstanding his undertaking to erect them at rates considerably lower than those of the tenders received from any other source; and will he represent to that body that they should act so as to save public money in the matter?

Sir K. Wood

The matter is one for decision by the city council in view of all the circumstances affecting building in the locality. I understand that at the present moment the council have in hand about 5,400 houses, for which contracts have been let but which are not yet completed.

Mr. Leach

Is it no concern of the Department what these houses cost?

Sir K. Wood

Yes, certainly.

Mr. Mabane

Is not the recent unhappy experience of Leeds under a Labour council a justification for the action taken in this case?