HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 cc1056-7
78. Sir R. Glyn

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the need for a survey of the condition of rural workers' houses so that as soon as means can be arranged urgent repairs may be carried out?

Mr. E. Brown

A Sub-committee of my Central Housing Advisory Committee is reviewing the whole field of rural housing under the chairmanship of Sir Arthur Hob-house, and I understand that the question of a comprehensive survey of rural houses is one of the matters which they have under consideration. I am expecting the report of this Sub-committee about Christmas time. The carrying out of urgent repairs, however, need not and should not await this report. Local authorities, including rural district councils, are being urged to undertake urgent repairs at once, and to take advantage of the facilities afforded under the new scheme for concentrating immobile labour on essential housing work.

Mr. Gallacher

Has the Minister considered the report now published on rural housing by the Communist Party?

Mr. Brown

I have the advantage of having a copy.

Mr. George Griffiths

Has the right hon. Gentleman read it?