§ Major GLYNasked the Minister of Health whether the Government have any information confirming the report that 50,000 houses have been built in New York city during a period of 12 months by private enterprise, largely due to the fact that new houses are exempted from rates and taxes for a period of 10 years after completion; and whether, if this information be correct, the Ministry of Health will obtain a full report from the British Embassy in Washington, and, if possible, consider the possibility of introducing a similar scheme into this country?
§ Sir A. MONDI am informed that plans were made for the building of some 48,000 dwellings in New York in the year 1921, but I am not aware how far the plans are being carried out. I have obtained various reports in accordance with promises which I made in reply to hon. Members, but these reports do not enable me to judge whether exemption from rates and taxes is the most important factor in encouraging these housing plans. The introduction of any such system of exemption raises many more questions of great difficulty, and I am doubtful whether, if these could be overcome, it would sufficiently stimulate the building industry. It would, in any case, require legislation.