HC Deb 08 March 1955 vol 538 cc132-3
37. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the additional cost of a £2,000 house built by a local authority on money borrowed at the new rates of interest from the Public Works Loans Board.

Mr. Sandys

This is the question to which I was referring earlier in replying to the hon. Member for Clapham (Mr. Gibson). The increase in loan charges on £2,000 will be about £4 a year.

Mr. Hynd

In that case, does the Minister propose to take steps to increase the subsidy to local authorities in order to prevent an increase in rents?

Mr. Sandys

I do not think the hon. Member was in the House earlier when I answered a Question on that subject.

Mr. Gibson

Is the Minister aware that this will mean an increase of about Is. 6d. a week in rent, if the loss is not to be borne by the local rates?

Mr. Blenkinsop

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot take action by means of an Order—I agree that that may be so—why is he not prepared to introduce legislation to meet this point?

Mr. Sandys

I know that the hon. Member was not here earlier when I dealt with several questions on this subject.Perhaps he will look it up in Hansard.