§ 102. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what is the estimated total additional cost of housing subsidies to the Exchequer, and to the local housing authorities, respectively; and if he is satisfied that this extra subsidy will cover the whole of the additional cost of house construction arising from the increased interest charges on housing loans.
§ Mr. MarplesMy right hon. Friend would ask the hon. Member to await the Financial memorandum which will accompany the Bill.
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that, due to the increased interest rates, local housing authorities will find themselves burdened with an additional charge on the local rates; that his recently announced housing subsidies do not offset this additional charge; that this is especially hard on bomb-damaged towns and cities; and whether, in the case of West Ham, which is the worst bombed borough with a rate of 26s. in £, he will arrange to pay a special subsidy so as to free that council from any additional burden on their local rates.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI would ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Housing Subsidy Bill.