§ 89. Mr. WEIGALLasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a recent report an inspector of the Board on the housing conditions existing in thirty-four parishes of the Horncastle rural district area of Lincolnshire; whether the local authority have unanimously resolved that under the present state of the law it is impossible for the urgent demand for cottages to be met; and what action, if any, he proposes to take?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELMy attention has been drawn to the case referred to. I understand that the council have decided to take no action in regard to the provision of cottages under Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890. until better facilities for the purpose are offered by the Government; and on the 11th instant the Board informed the council that, in view of the circumstances of the case, the decision of the council is not in the Board's opinion one that can be regarded as justifiable. The attention of the county council has been drawn to the case in view of the powers of county councils under the Housing and Town Planning Act., 1909. I may also refer the hon. Member to Section 10 of that Act. If a formal complaint is made to the Board under that Section, I shall be prepared to consider it.