HC Deb 19 February 1948 vol 447 cc1306-7
15. Mr. David Renton

asked the Minister of Health how many houses for occupation by agricultural workers have been authorised by his Department for building during 1948 by local authorities in Huntingdonshire.

Mr. Bevan

I would refer the hon. Member to Appendix B to the Housing Return. Tenancies are not allocated till the houses are nearing completion, but a substantial proportion of the houses under construction will be allocated to members of the agricultural population.

Mr. Renton

Is the Minister aware that the demand for housing of agricultural workers in Huntingdonshire still far exceeds the supply, even when the houses now authorised have been completed? Is he further aware that some of the local authorities are confident that with their existing resources of labour and materials they could complete more houses than have been authorised? Will he give instructions for authorisation to be given for the building of more houses?

Mr. Bevan

Where the supply of labour and materials in rural areas will permit further houses to be built in addition to those which are under construction, authorisation is being and will be given.

16. Earl Winterton

asked the Minister of Health why he has rejected the scheme submitted to him by the Horsham Rural District Council, and strongly supported by the West Sussex War Agricultural Executive Committee, for the erection of 156 houses for agricultural workers; and if he is aware that a resolution was passed without dissent at a recent meeting of the district council in question, strongly protesting against his action.

Mr. Bevan

I am aware of the views of the Horsham Rural District Council. They have now been authorised to go to tender for a further 12 houses, and the position will be reconsidered in the light of further progress made with the 223 houses which have already been approved and not yet completed.

Earl Winterton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the intensification of both horticultural and agricultural operations in this neighbourhood in the last seven years there is a great need for these houses to accommodate the agricultural workers? Is he further aware that the local council claims that it has on its books the names of private builders prepared to build the houses?

Mr. Bevan

There may be on the books names of private builders prepared to build houses, but the labour and materials may not be available. If I can be satisfied that labour and materials are available, approval will certainly be given.

Earl Winterton

Will the Minister be prepared to receive a deputation if necessary?

Mr. Bevan

There are 1,450 local authorities in Britain, and if I received a deputation from each of them, I should be in some difficulty. I am, however, prepared to receive any representations which the noble Lord may like to make.