§ Mr. COOPER RAWSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that certain local authorities are continuing building schemes; if so, what are the conditions, if any, under which he has 1323W given sanction for such schemes; and if any provision is made for levying any portion of the cost on local rates?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that a number of local authorities are proceeding with the erection of houses in anticipation of the new Housing Bill, and the fourth sub-clause of Clause 1 of the Bill provides that local authorities will not be prejudiced as regards the subsidy on account of their having so acted. Any loss on such schemes beyond the amount of the Government subsidy will, of course, fall on the local rates.