§ 40. Brigadier Petoasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a site known as Bottom Meadow was acquired by the Lynton Urban District Council at a cost of £1,000 for the purpose of erecting eight houses by private enterprise; that the repayment of this loan is a burden on the rates; that the regional officer of his Department at Bristol, has refused permission for the site to be developed sine die; and whether, in view of the urgent need of houses which can be let at an economical rent in this district, he will reconsider this decision.
§ Mr. BevanThis site was acquired by the council for their own housing, and a tender for the erection of six houses thereon was recently approved. I understand that the council now propose to allot the site to private building, but I see no sufficient reason for this, and I am arranging for further discussions with the council on the matter.
§ Brigadier PetoThe Minister correctly said that the housing site was for erecting houses for the council. The council found that the cost of these houses would be in the neighbourhood of £2,000 each, and that they could not let them at an economic rent. Therefore, I should like to know whether the Minister will agree that permission should be given to the Lynton Urban District Council for at least one house to be built by private enterprise. They have so far received no quota.
§ Mr. BevanThe Girdwood Committee has said that there is no evidence whatsoever that the building of houses for private ownership is cheaper than building for the local authority. I could not allow 1193 the council merely to accept a tender of £2,000. It is obviously too high, and they should go to tender again.