THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government whether they agree with the desirability of a considerable ex-tension of owner-occupancy of houses; and if so, whether they will require local authorities to set aside a proportion of all houses built by them for sale at construction price to persons able to prove that their total income does not exceed £10 per week; the local authority retaining the right of pre-emption at the original price for a period of five years, to prevent purchase by speculators for immediate resale at an enhanced price.
§ LORD HENDERSONIn present circumstances of shortage and high costs, the policy of the Government is mainly directed to the provision by local authorities of sufficient houses to be let at mode-rate rentals to those families that need them most. It would be inconsistent with this policy to set aside for sale a proportion of the houses provided by the local authorities.
House adjourned at twenty-two minutes past six o'clock.