§ 32. Mr. Shurmerasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in the city of Birmingham last week a subsidised council house built 15 years ago at a cost of £450 was advertised for sale at £1,200; and, in view of this and other cases, if he will take steps to prevent persons making large profits at the expense of public funds.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)The house which I think my hon. Friend has in mind was built by the Birmingham Corporation in 1924, under the provisions of the Housing Act of 1923. The corporation sold the house in 1927, and it then became indistinguishable from any other house in private ownership. For the reasons which I gave in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for South Portsmouth (Sir J. Lucas), on 16th May, I cannot hold out any prospect of legislation controlling the selling price of houses.
§ Mr. ShurmerIs my right hon. Friend aware that in the city of Birmingham, and in other parts of the country, this matter is causing great indignation? We have 43,000 applicants for houses, and they are continually being exploited in respect of subsidised and privately owned houses. Will not my right hon. Friend do something to stop this ramp of selling houses at high prices?
§ Mr. BevanMy hon. Friend's Question refers to one house, which was sold in 1927. The consent of the Minister has to be obtained before a house for which a subsidy has been paid is sold. Nevertheless, I frown very much on this practice.