HC Deb 09 May 1923 vol 163 cc2336-7
52. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Powell Duffryn Coal Company in commencing housing developments on a large scale near Llantrisant, Glamorgan, in close proximity to their new colliery; whether he is aware that this colliery company is receiving Government grants for housing; and whether, in view of the recommendations of the South Wales Regional Survey Committee, that a dormitory town should be provided off the coal measures near Llantrisant, he will take steps to insist that this colliery company shall comply with the standards of housing development for this area recommended by the said committee?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am aware that the Powell Duffryn Company are erecting or proposing to erect a number of houses on three or four sites in the neighbourhoods of Llantrisant and Pengarn; I understand that they have not received any Government grant, but that they have obtained a guarantee under the Trades Facilities Act in respect of a loan to be raised for housing purposes. The plans which have so far been referred to and approved by my Department have been found to be satisfactory, and will not, I believe, interfere with the carrying out of the recommendations of the South Wales Regional Survey Committee.

Mr. MARDY JONES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these are very large pits, that there is a population of 10,000 in the neighbourhood and that houses are now being put down within 200 yards of the pit shaft, though there are plenty of suitable sites a little further away, and does he approve of this policy repeating the worst developments of the last 50 years?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not think that is the question put to me. The question is whether it would interfere with the South Wales Regional Survey's recommendation.

Mr. MARDY JONES

It does.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My information is that it does not.

Mr. WALLHEAD

Does the Minister approve of that method of building cottages so near the pit shaft? That is the method which is causing so much trouble in South Wales now.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have no power to interfere with this company building houses where they like.

Mr. MARDY JONES

In consequence of the right hon. Gentleman's unsatisfactory answer, I shall call attention to the question on the Motion for the Adjournment at the first opportunity.

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