§ Mr. BLACKasked the Minister of Health whether an approximate estimate can be given of the loss that will ultimately accrue to the Treasury on all the houses that have been erected up to the present with Government liability?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYIt is estimated that on the basis of the present rents and charges the deficit to be made good by482W the Exchequer in respect of houses erected in England and Wales under the provisions of the Housing and Town Planning Act, 1919, will be approximately £7,700,000 per annum. The deficit will continue for 60 years, but when the loans raised for roads and sewers are repaid at the end of 20 and 30 years respectively a reduction in the annual sum will be effected. The total amount paid in respect of lump-sum subsidies to private builders under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, is £9,498,000. No further liability arises in respect of these houses. The liability of the Exchequer for houses erected to 31st January last under the terms of the Housing Act, 1923, is £28,000 per annum for 20 years.