HC Deb 21 May 1914 vol 62 cc2114-5
25. Mr. FARRELL

asked the grounds upon which the Local Government Board decided to reduce the Grant under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1910, from £125, the amount due, to £45, to the Longford Urban District Council; and whether the Board will reconsider their decision and enlarge the Grant?

Mr. BIRRELL

The income of the Housing Fund established by the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act, 1908, is limited, and as the operations undertaken by local authorities under the Act increase year by year the proportionate Grant-in-Aid from the fund to each such authority must accordingly decrease. For the year ended 31st March last the income of the fund was only sufficient to meet about 36 per cent. of the liabilities of local authorities under the Act, whereas in the previous year upwards of 80 per cent. of the local housing charges was met from the fund. The Local Government Board have no funds at their disposal to supplement the Grant for urban housing.

Mr. FARRELL

Can the right hon. Gentleman hold out any hope of increasing this fund?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am looking about in all directions for any funds that may be available.

Mr. WILLIAM REDMOND

When he is considering this question, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the great good that is being done by this Act in erecting suitable houses?

Mr. BIRRELL

Yes, Sir; there is no better Act in operation.