HC Deb 30 July 1913 vol 56 c528
47. Mr. GEORGE ROBERTS

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a memorial from, the National Land and Home League, signed by Members of Parliament of all parties and by social reformers of all classes in the country, directing his attention to the urgency of the problem of rural housing, and requesting that Parliament provide such moneys as may be found essential to its solution; and whether he is yet in a position to make a statement in response to the representations of the said petition?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have received the memorial to which the hon. Member refers, and it will be carefully considered together with the other representations relative to the question of rural housing. The Government's policy will be announced in due course, and I cannot anticipate it by any separate statement.

Mr. RAFFAN

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a large number of agricultural labourers object to what they call "charity cottages," and will he consider the propriety of endeavouring to give a rural housing scheme by means of land reform?

The PRIME MINISTER

I do not know that I am expected to go into that matter now.