HC Deb 25 February 1926 vol 192 cc699-700
60. Mr. ROBINSON

asked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce the Bill dealing with slums in towns and insanitary dwellings in country areas; and whether any proposals are under consideration for the erection of houses for agricultural labourers at the expense of the State to be let at rents within their capacity to pay?

Sir K. WOOD

I am not at present in a position to make a statement with regard to the matter referred to in the first part of the hon. Member's question. As regards the second part of the question in order to meet the peculiar conditions as to rents paid by agricultural workers provision was made under the Housing Act, 1924, for the grant of a special subsidy in respect of houses built in agricultural parishes.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the Ministry of Health bringing any pressure to bear in urging rural councils to erect houses in agricultural areas?

Sir K. WOOD

We are doing our best, as I stated in answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question, and the whole matter is under consideration by my right hon. Friend.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Does the Parliamentary Secretary think that rural councils are doing their duty to agricultural labourers with regard to housing?

Sir K. WOOD

I suppose we should have various opinions as to what their duty is and how far they are carrying it out.

Mr. PALING

Has it not been admitted time after time from the Government Bench that there is a shortage of houses in rural areas, and has not the Minister of Health time after time, in reply to various questions in this House, promised to try to speed up the building of these houses, and they have promised to do something? I want to know if they have done anything.

Sir K. WOOD

That may well be so, but I would remind the hon. Member that there are difficulties, such as the shortage of labour, which have also to be considered.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

The latter part of this question has not been answered, and we are very much interested in it. It reads, "at the expense of the State to be let at rents within their capacity to pay." Will the Parliamentary Secretary answer that part of the question?

Mr. SPEAKER

That has been answered. I do not think the hon. Member was listening.