§ Mr. A. BENNETTasked the Minister of Health if he is now able to inform the House of the exact amount by which the superficial measurements of the houses to be subsidised under the Housing Bill (No. 2) will be increased, so that no time may be lost in informing those who are anxious to build houses and are preparing plans?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI hope that the Committee stage of the Bill may be taken next week. In the meantime, I do not think that I can properly anticipate the consideration of this matter by the Committee.
§ Mr. C. ROBERTSasked the Minister of Health if he will give particulars of the calculation by which, under the conditions of his housing scheme, houses are to be built in rural areas at a rental of 5s. 6d. a week; and whether it is to be a condition of the grant of the subsidy from the Exchequer that some subsidy should be forthcoming from the local authority?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe rent named was an average rent and it was contemplated that some houses might be let at figures substantially in excess of this amount. The calculation was based upon a cost of £360 which I am advised will in some places be practicable. Then the net rent obtained after allowance has been made for repairs and maintenance would1408W meet the loan charges (on the annuity system) on a loan of £213 for 60 years at 4¾ per cent. leaving the balance of £157 to be met by contributions from taxes and rates. If a loan were raised for this sum for 20 years at 4¾ per cent. the annual charges would amount to £11 9s. With a grant of £6 a year from the State this will leave a sum of £5 9s. to be found by the local authority.