THE EARL OF MANSFIELDasked His Majesty's Government if they are aware that it is seldom possible for local authorities, especially the councils of large rural counties, to get houses built for less than, £1,400 each, and that the lowest estimates are often much above even that figure; and if they will accordingly state, why they persist in allowing the private builder a limit of only £1,200 per house, thereby delaying the provision of much-needed accommodation in isolated districts.
§ LORD WESTWOODIn England it is only in a few exceptional cases that the cost of the houses included in contracts accepted by rural district councils is as high as £1,400 and in most cases it is substantially less. In rural areas in Scotland the range of prices tends to be somewhat higher, but does not normally exceed £1,400. To meet the special difficulties of these areas local authorities are able to issue licences in excess of, £1,200 up to the cost of corresponding local authority houses. In addition, both in England and in Scotland the limit may be exceeded where the cost of the developed site is unusually or unavoidably high. The Government are satisfied that with these concessions private builders can build within the provisions of the licensing scheme.
House adjourned at fourteen minutes past six o'clock.