§ 49. Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the Prime Minister whether Lord Strachie gave utterance to the views of the Government when he recently stated at the annual meeting of the Rural District Councils Association that the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, did not meet the wants of purely agricultural districts, and that it was desirable to apply the principles of the Labourers (Ireland) Act, 1906, to England, in order to accelerate the provision by such councils of additional cottage accommodaion for agricultural labourers; and, if so, whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, it is proposed to introduce this Session legislation of the character indicated?
§ The PRIME MINISTERLord Strachie was expressing his own views in the matter. The Government do not propose to introduce this Session legislation of the kind suggested.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs it not desirable, in a matter of such national importance, that Members of the Government should speak with one voice?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat is always desirable.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWHas the right hon. Gentleman no power to secure such a desirable thing?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think, speaking from some experience, that Ministerial solidarity is best promoted by allowing a certain freedom and fullness of range to individuality.