HC Deb 05 March 1924 vol 170 cc1403-4W
Major EDMONDSON

asked the Minister of Health whether the Government intends to treat the question of rural housing as a question which requires different treatment from that of urban housing; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take and when?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I suggest that the hon. and gallant Member should reserve his question until I am in a position to make a complete statement of the Government's housing policy.

Mr. D. G. SOMERVILLE

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the increase in wages and the raising of prices in the building world, and whether, accordingly, he proposes to modify the existing figure of £500 for houses under his new proposals; and whether the shortage of men and material will affect the numbers of such houses he proposes to construct under his scheme?

Mr. WHEATLEY

I am in communication with the building industry as to the arrangements to be made in order to ensure the supply of labour and materials necessary for the carrying out of an adequate housing programme, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement. The question of price, which is, of course, a very important element in any housing scheme, is also receiving consideration.