HC Deb 04 November 1929 vol 231 cc653-5W
Sir K. WOOD

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of houses completed under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, each month since May last; the number sanctioned for subsidy under those Acts but not completed; and the number completed by private enterprise without State assistance?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The following statement gives, for each of the months in question, the number of houses completed, and the number authorised but not completed, under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924. Returns as to houses erected without State assistance are obtained half-yearly only. The number of such houses of a rateable value not exceeding £78 (or £105 in the Metropolitan police district) erected during the six months ended in March last was 32,785. Complete information for the six months ended in September last is not yet available, but the number erected during that period was approximately 36,000.

to re-examine their estimate of the commercial results of afforestation in the light of the recommendations of the Committee. The matter is still under discussion, but it is hoped that a conclusion will soon be reached.

Sir C. CAYZER

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, as representing the Forestry Commissioners, whether, seeing that the Treasury has placed a limit of £4 per acre upon the sum which the Forestry Commission may pay for land, that hardwoods do not grow well on comparatively poor soil, and that it is seldom the case that the Commission is able, within the price limit, to acquire lands suitable for hardwoods, he will obtain authorisation to raise the limit of the purchase price?

Mr. WALTER SMITH

The Forestry Commissioners have, in fact, applied for and received from time to time the authorisation referred to.