§ MAJOR GLYNasked the Under-Secretary for the Scottish Board of Health what steps, if any, he proposes to take to inquire into the financial position regarding the loan of necessary funds by local authorities for the construction of houses; whether the Board of Health in Scotland proposes to issue any new regulations on this subject or any memorandum giving advice and assistance; and whether he is aware that the chief cause for the delay 664W in the construction of houses is entirely due to the uncertain financial situation of the problem?
§ Mr. PRATTI am aware that certain local authorities are experiencing difficulty in obtaining loans in the open market for the purpose of their housing schemes. The whole question of the financing of loans for housing schemes is at present under consideration by a Committee appointed by the Treasury. Meantime, local authorities with an assessable rental of under £200,000 can obtain the necessary loans from the Public Works Loan Board if they satisfy the Scotlish Board of Health that they have been unable to raise the money in the open market.
Major MALONEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by local authorities in obtaining loans to enable them to carry out their housing schemes, he will be prepared to make some provision whereby the Treasury may grant such loans on favourable terms, and thus facilitate the erection of working-class houses?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has recently appointed a Committee, on which local authorities are represented, to consider what steps can be taken to assist authorities to raise loans in the market.