§ Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Minister of Health the reasons which have actuated him in advising the Hornchurch Urban District Council not to proceed further with the suggested loan to borrowers anxious to purchase their houses on mortgage and suggesting that, alternatively, the council should ascertain whether they could borrow the sums they require from the building societies; and whether this policy is being prescribed to all local authorities in a similar position to Hornchurch?
Sir H. YOUNGI would refer my hon. Frend to the reply given to the question put by the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on Thursday last, a copy of which, together with a copy of the letter mentioned at the end of the reply, I am sending to him. It will be obvious to my hon. Friend that before sanctioning an increase in the capital liability of a local authority I must satisfy myself of its necessity.
§ Mr. HUTCHISONasked the Minister of Health what sums have been sanctioned in each of the last three years under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts, which 1242W enable local authorities to make advances to persons who are desirous of purchasing their homes?
Sir H. YOUNGThe loans sanctioned under the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts during the periods mentioned were:
£ Year ended 31st March, 1932 1,737,042 Year ended 31st March, 1933 1,644,296 Year ended 31st March, 1934 3,433,611 These figures include loan sanctions issued to metropolitan borough councils by the London County Council. In addition, the London County Council itself promised to make direct advances to the amounts of £28,230, £24,910 and £34,530.