HC Deb 05 April 1911 vol 23 cc2197-8
Mr. FITZROY

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Royal Commission to inquire into the question of the housing of the labouring classes in the rural districts, to report thereon as to what extent, if any, land which might otherwise be used for building cottages is being withheld by the owners, and to the possibility of providing better housing accommodation without monetary loss to those owners, with a view to introducing legislation dealing with the whole matter if found necessary?

Mr. BURNS

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. At present it does not seem either necessary or desirable that a Royal Commission should be appointed to inquire into the question of the housing of the labouring classes in rural districts. So recently as the year 1906 a Select Committee of the House of Commons, appointed to consider the Housing of the Working Classes Acts Amendment Bill, went very fully into the question, and the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, effected important amendments designed to facilitate the compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities for the purpose of the erection of houses for the working classes. It has not been shown that the existing powers under that Act are not sufficient to meet all ordinary circumstances if local authorities do their duty.

Mr. MORRELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been also called to a Clause in the Report of that Committee which deals with the question of the hon. Member, and finds as a fact that land has been withheld in rural districts?

Mr. BURNS

I am aware of all the circumstances connected with rural housing, and I would advise my hon. Friends on both sides of the House to stimulate the local authorities rather than to stimulate myself.

Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

Is it not a matter of extreme delicacy for the local authority in their district to put their powers into force, and will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making this a national service and providing for it out of national revenue?

Mr. BURNS

Until we have further experience of the Act of 1909 I think it would be premature for me to pronounce an opinion on the subject.