HC Deb 09 July 1914 vol 64 cc1236-7
79. Mr. LANE-FOX

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether any particular Department or particular official of the Board is employed mainly or entirely in dealing with the housing question?

The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Samuel)

There is a special Department of the Local Government Board which deals exclusively with housing and town-planning questions. The Department consists of twenty-three officials, in addition to a staff of eight inspectors, whose time is wholly devoted to this work. The services of the Board's technical officers in the medical, engineering, and architectural staffs are also partly given to housing questions.

80. Mr. LANE-FOX

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware of the cases in which district councils in rural districts are having to make provision for new cottages to take the place of those condemned under the Housing Act; and whether the Government intend to propose any Grants in aid of such building schemes?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I am aware that in some of the cases in which rural district councils have provided or are providing houses under Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, the houses are required in consequence of others being closed and demolished under Part II. of that Act. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is there any prospect of these local authorities getting any assistance under the terms of the provisions of the Bill introduced yesterday?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The local authorities have full power to borrow money now.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Yes, Sir, but will no further advances be given to them under the proposed housing scheme of the Government?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

The Bill introduced by my right hon. Friend yesterday does not deal with housing by local authorities but by the Government. The local authorities will, of course, get largely increased subventions under the Public Health and General Purposes Grant proposed in this year's Finance Bill.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Is it the intention of the Government to build in those districts where there is a shortage?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Certainly, in those districts where there is a shortage.

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