§ 34. Mr. Blackburnasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will state for each year, from 1950 onwards, the amounts paid to local authorities in housing subsidies and the amounts paid to the Government by local authorities in interest on housing loans.
§ Mr. DeedesOn the first part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Annual Appropriation Accounts, 973 Class V.2. With regard to the second part of the Question, he will find the information in the Annual Reports of the Public Works Loan Board.
§ Mr. BlackburnWould it have been a great difficulty for the Minister to tabulate the figures so that it would be possible to compare them? Does not the amount being paid by local authorities in interest far exceed the amount they are receiving in housing subsidies, and will not the amount be increased owing to the new rate of interest for loans from the Public Works Loan Board? If it is necessary to restrict local government expenditure, does he not agree that it could be done in other ways than by increasing the rate of interest, which imposes a further burden on the rates?
§ Mr. DeedesTo supply the hon. Gentleman with the answers which he wanted would have entailed a rather voluminous reply. There are two sources, and perhaps he will consult them to ascertain whether he is satisfied with what they provide.