§ Mr. A. BENNETTasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the housing proposals of the Government, he can give some idea as to the amount of money which would be required for carrying out the erection of 500,000 houses; whether he is recommending to the local authorities any special policy in respect 552W to financing the housing schemes; and whether these authorities will all have to borrow in the money market on competitive lines?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI understand the hon. Member's question to relate to the extent of the financial burden to be borne by the local authorities. This will depend on the extent to which they build directly or engage private enterprise to build, and pending actual experience, I can make no statement as to the proportions in which these alternative methods of procedure will he applied. As at present advised, I do not think it necessary to recommend any special financial policy to the local authorities. The smaller authorities can have recourse to the Local Loans Fund if necessary. The large authorities would borrow through the usual market channels.