HC Deb 10 August 1914 vol 65 cc2288-9

(I) In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

The expression "housing purposes" means the provision, maintenance, and management of dwellings and gardens and other works or buildings for or for the convenience of persons belonging to the working classes; and The expression "local authority" means the local authority for the purposes of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890; and

The expression "authorised society" means any society, company, or body of persons approved by the Treasury, whose objects include the erection, improvement, or management of dwellings for working classes, which does not trade for profit, or whose constitution forbids the payment of any interest or dividend at a rate exceeding five per cent. per annum.

(2) In the application of this Act to Scotland the Local Government Board for Scotland shall be substituted for the Local Government Board, and the Board of Agriculture for Scotland shall be substituted for the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.

(3) This Act shall not apply to Ireland.

(4) This Act may be cited as the Housing (No. 2) Act, 1914.

Mr. C. BATHURST

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), after the word "maintenance" to insert the word "improvement."

The word "improvement" is well known to the law in this connection. The object of the Amendment is to enable the two authorities or either of them to spend money upon improving cottages and so rendering them fit for habitation. This will enable use to be made of some of the houses which are closed or likely to be closed.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

We will accept that Amendment.

Question, "That the word 'improvement' be there inserted" put, and agreed to.

Clause, as amended, added to the Bill.

Bill reported with Amendments; as amended, considered; read the third time, and passed.