§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the decision he made in January last, that until 100 houses are erected on the Ports-down Hill site, four miles from the centre of the borough, he will not sanction the erection of further houses in the old part of the borough, has had the effect of checking the provision of housing accommodation; that, in addition to the 500 houses sanctioned by him prior to January, site plans and applications for upwards of 1,000 houses, lodged with the local authorities by various builders, are being held up by his decision; and whether, having regard to the need for accommodation and to assist in relieving the great amount of unemployment in the district, he will now reconsider his decision and give authority for the construction of the houses for which plans have been deposited?
§ Sir A. MONDThe decision to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers was arrived at in consultation and agreement with representatives of the local authority. My Department have as a matter of fact investigated proposals for the erection of a considerable number of additional houses by private builders in the borough, but the prices quoted were unreasonably high.