§ 54. Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Health whether it is his intention after the war to arrange for a continuation of loans through the Public Works Loans Committee to local authorities which have adopted the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act to enable them to assist persons desiring to purchase houses for their own occupation?
§ Mr. WillinkI do not contemplate any change in the pre-war arrangements under which local authorities can borrow from the Public Works Loan Board for the purposes of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act.
§ 55. Mr. McEnteeasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increase in the cost of building houses and the consequent increase in their prices, he will 1682 introduce legislation to amend the Small Dwellings Acquisition Act, so that the maximum price of a house that may be purchased under the Act is raised from £800 to £1,200 which was the figure in the original Act?
§ Mr. WillinkThe point is being examined by the Sub-committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Felix Pole, and I will certainly consider what action I ought to take to adapt this Act to postwar circumstances in the light of the Subcommittee's recommendations.
§ Mr. McEnteeWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman remember that old houses, in addition to new ones, that cost £800 before the war are now being sold for £1,000 or more?
§ Mr. WillinkI am sure that that point is being considered by the Sub-committee.