§ Lord E. PERCYasked the Minister of Labour, as representing the Ministry of Health, what is the total of the sums lent by local authorities in England and Scotland under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, 1899 and 1919, during the financial years 1920–21 and 192122; and whether, with a view to increasing —employment in the building trade, he will consider what steps can be taken, by amendment of the Acts or otherwise, to stimulate the building of new houses through the machinery of the Acts?
§ Major BOYD-CARPENTERPrecise particulars of the sums lent by local authorities under the Acts within the period mentioned are not available, but sanctions were issued to local authorities in England and Wales during that period authorising the borrowing of sums amounting to a total of £259,690 for advances under the Acts.
As regards Scotland, the information asked for could only be obtained by inquiry of the several local authorities, but so far as my Noble Friend the Secretary for Scotland is aware little, if any, action has been taken under these Acts by these authorities.
1228WThe question of utilising the machinery of the Acts to stimulate the building of houses will be considered in connection with the general housing policy.