54. Mr. W. Joseph Stewartasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many local authorities view with alarm the way in which the price of land is increasing and the adverse effect which such fact bears upon the rentals of houses erected upon new sites acquired for building purposes; and will he introduce measures to prevent this increase in the value of land, which cannot be justified excepting for the fact that the value is enhanced by the creation of amenities by local authorities?
§ Mr. ElliotI have received representations from one authority on this 2117 question, but I am not aware of any general evidence of any substantial rise in cost. Local authorities have wide powers of acquisition, and I am not satisfied that further powers are required.
Mr. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the ramp in land values is causing very serious embarrassment to local authorities in the matter of rehousing and is having an adverse effect upon the rents which have to be charged to people with limited incomes, and cannot he do something to stop this exploitation of people by land owners in this country?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is for local authorities to make representations in the first place, and only one authority in the whole country has made such representations.
Mr. StewartThat ought to be sufficient for the right hon. Gentleman to get on with the introduction of reforms.