HC Deb 05 August 1914 vol 65 cc2027-8

Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in any Act by-law or regulation for the time being in force the provisions of the Public Health Acts, and such of the provisions of any public general or local Act as are intended to secure that houses shall be so constructed and maintained as to be sanitary and fit for human habitation and any by-laws or regulations of the local authority of the district in which the dwellings and garden" and other works or buildings are situate shall apply to any dwellings and gardens and other works or buildings provided maintained and managed under the provisions of this Act.

Clause brought up, and read the first time.

Mr. GWYNNE

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."

The object of this Clause is to render houses built on Crown land under this Bill subject to the provisions of the Public Health Acts and to require the plans to conform with the by-laws of the local authority; and also that, after erection, the local authorities should have power to inspect as in the case of other cottages. It is very important that that should be the case. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will give me an assurance that it will be so, and if he does, I do not propose to proceed with the new Clause.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I agree with the hon. Gentleman that it is an important point. I have no doubt the houses built on our land under this scheme would conform with the provisions of the Local Government Board.

Mr. GWYNNE

It is very important that the future maintenance of the houses should be subject to the provisions of the Public Health Acts and the local regulations.

Lord ROBERT CECIL

May I suggest to the right hon. Gentleman to give an undertaking that he will consider this matter. I do not think it can be judiciously discussed just now.

Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL

Is it not the case as far as these houses are concerned that those responsible could be called upon to comply with the regulations.

Dr. MACNAMARA

No, not as far as Crown land is concerned. I will consider what the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. I have no doubt that these would be in accordance with the views of the local authority. As the Noble Lord suggests, I will look into the point carefully and with full sympathy for the views expressed by the hon. Gentleman.

Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment made in title: Leave out the words "give the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries powers with respect to the housing in agricultural districts of persons belonging to the working classes and."

Bill, as amended, reported.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."

Dr. MACNAMARA

There may be drafting Amendments and Amendments necessary to carry out undertakings, and we propose to make some of them in another place. They will be made in accordance with the spirit in which the matter has been considered by the Committee.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read the third time, and passed.