§ 56. Mr. W. BAKERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that practically the whole electorate of the parish of East Ilsley petitioned the Ministry against the decision of the Wantage Rural District Council to erect additional council houses on the eastern front of their churchyard and council School playgrounds, and that the parish council maintains that a site has now been obtained which fulfils the conditions laid down in the letter addressed by the Ministry to the Wantage Rural District Council on 18th September, 1926, and was approved by the inspector of the Ministry of Health; and whether he will use his powers under the Housing Acts to secure that the wish of the parishioners is not overridden?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of the representations referred to, and at the time of their receipt he took steps to ensure that the rural district council should give full consideration to all aspects of the matter, including the question of alternative sites, before taking a final decision. After consideration and inspection of other sites, the council decided to adhere to their original proposal, and my right hon. Friend saw no sufficient reason for interfering with their discretion. A loan for the acquisition of the site was, therefore, sanctioned on the 11th October last, and it is understood that the contract for the erection of the houses has been completed and the work commenced.