§ 50. Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Health for what reason the Luton local authority have been refused sanction to instal electric heating points in their 3304 council houses, the cost of which was to be met by loan; and whether it is the policy of his Department not to sanction the installation of heating points in council houses?
§ Sir K. WoodI am anxious that rents on municipal housing estates shall be kept at as a low a level as possible—a position which can only be maintained by the exercise of reasonable economy. The houses erected by the borough council are in my opinion already provided with reasonable heating facilities, and although I am always ready to give consideration on their merits to proposals for the provision of conveniences and amenities, I was not satisfied that the proposal in question was justified.
§ Mr. McEnteeIs it not the case that the Department have sanctioned these points in the case of similar houses? Are we to take it that this means a change of policy by the Department?
§ Sir K. WoodNo, Sir. As I have said, I have endeavoured to consider this case on its merits. I am most anxious to keep the rents of these houses as low as possible.