§ Sir J. POWERasked the Minister of Health if he can state what steps he is taking to deal with the situation caused by the decrease in the building of houses which has occurred during recent months?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI cannot accept the hon. Baronet's statement as to the present situation. The number of houses 1593W completed under the 1924 Housing Act in the last quarter of 1929 was 14,507 as compared with 12,661 in the same period of 1928; and the number of houses under the same Act authorised in the last quarter of 1929 was 19,824 as compared with 11,692 in 1928.
§ Mr. GOULDasked the Minister of Health the number of houses sanctioned for subsidy under the 1923 Act and which were not completed by 30th September, 1929; whether he has received representations thereon; and will he consider any case where lack of materials or labour prevented the completion of the contract within the specified time?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe number of houses authorised under the 1923 Act which had not been completed by 30th September, 1929, was approximately 46,500, but only about 5,000 of these had actually been commenced by that date. I have received a few representations, including one from my hon. Friend, on the subject, but I have no power to grant such an extension of time as he suggests.