§ Mr. W. Clarkasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what will be the total cost to the Exchequer of housing subsidies for 1962–63; what will be the total contribution of local 28W authorities for council housing for 1962–63; and what is now the total number of council units of accommodation in England and Wales and the number of families affected.
Dr. HillIn 1962–63, the net cost to the Exchequer of subsidies in England and Wales towards the construction of council houses is estimated at £66,953,000. I have no information about the contribution which local authorities propose to make during that year; in 1960–61, contributions from the rates totalled about £19 million. At 31st December last, local housing authorities owned 3,438,000 dwellings, and, although I have no figures, the number of families in occupation was probably about the same.