§ Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Health if, in view of his announcement that the cost of both parlour and non-parlour houses has increased by approximately 100 per cent. in two years, he can state the causes of this increase and the percentages for which they are individually responsible?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe hon. Member would appear to be under a misapprehension, as I have made no announcement such as is suggested by his question. The prices of houses included in contracts let by local authorities during the last three months of 1925 show an increase of just over 11 per cent. as compared with the prices ruling during the corresponding period two years earlier. Of this increase a rise in wages accounts for from 2½ per cent. to 5 per cent., according to district, and increases in the prices of materials account for about 4 per cent.
§ Mr. PALINGasked the Minister of Health the increased cost of building the parlour and non-parlour type of house, respectively, as between July, 1924, and the latest date for which figures are available; and the amount of increase in building operatives' wages during that period?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe prices of houses included in contracts let by local authorities during December last showed an increase of £20 in the case of non-parlour houses and £2 in the case of parlour houses over the prices for July, 1924. The increases in operatives' wages during this period represent an increased cost per house of from £4 5s. to £5 outside London and from £12 15s. to £15 in the case of London.