Sir A. HOLBBOOKasked the Minister of Health if he will submit a return from each county and county borough indicating the present position as regards housing schemes; and whether he can give a statement showing the total amount expended thereon by the Government and local authorities and the number of houses completed and under construction?
§ Sir A. MONDThe preparation of such a return would involve much time and labour which I am reluctant to impose on my Department in present circumstances. Perhaps the object of the hon. and gallant Member will be sufficiently met by the following particulars:
On the 1st June the number of houses completed under State-aided schemes was 149,207, including 115,899 provided by local authorities and public utility societies and 33,308 by private builders. On the game date, 40,970 houses were under 394W construction by local authorities and public utility societies, while preliminary certificates had been issued to private builders in respect of 8,846 houses. The latter in order to qualify for subsidy had to be completed by 23rd June. In addition, there was a balance of 19,131 houses to be built by local authorities which had not been started. The total capital cost of the assisted housing scheme of local authorities and public utility societies is estimated at £190,000,000, of which approximately £160,000,000 had been expended by 1st June. Up to that date £7,800,000 had been paid in subsidy to private builders.
§ Mr. MARRIOTTasked the Minister of Health whether before the close of the present Session, he will present to the House a return indicating the total amount expended since 1st January, 1918, upon housing schemes by the Government and local authorities respectively; the number of houses completed; and the number now under construction?
§ Sir A. MONDI have given the information asked for by the hon. Member in reply to a question already put by the hon. and gallant Member for the Basingstoke Division (Sir A. Holbrobk), a copy of which I am sending to him.