§ 37. Mr. Jenningsasked the Minister of Health whether he wall approve the building of houses of good standard and design and sold at a fair and reasonable price to enable those working-class people to own their own house if they wish to do so.
§ Mr. BevanLocal authorities are empowered to license the erection of new houses for sale if they do not exceed 1,000 superficial feet, and do not cost 583 more than £1,200 outside London, or £1,300 in London. Authorities will, I am sure, insist when issuing the licences, that the houses should be of a good standard and design.
§ Mr. JenningsWhy restrict it to that figure, in view of current prices? Is it not a fact also that when the working-class own their own homes they become good Conservative voters?.
§ Mr. BevanMy reply to the first part of the question is that I explained the reasons for the limitation on the standard and on the amount, when I addressed the House of Commons on housing policy. My answer to the second part of the question is that it is obvious that the hon. Member had altruistic motives in putting the Question on the Paper.
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenIn his desire that men should own their own homes what protection is the right hon. Gentleman giving to see that they own houses and not jerry-built shacks?
§ Mr. BevanThe House will be discussing the matter, I think, next week. I have already made arrangements to enable individuals to borrow money at cheap rates to buy the more expensive houses.