§ 30. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that an application for assistance under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, has been rejected by the West Riding (Yorks) County Council on the ground that the applicant, who is the owner, enjoys an income of £150 per annum; and will he state whether such decision has been approved by his Department?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINLocal authorities are not required to submit to me their decisions on individual cases, but I have made inquiries with regard to the application to which the hon. Member refers. I am informed that the cottage was required by the applicant for his own use. The application was rejected by the local authority on the ground that the wages of the applicant were materially in excess of those paid to agricultural workers, and that he was, therefore, ineligible for assistance under the Act.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman regard an income of £150 per annum as sufficient ground to disqualify any applicant under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo, Sir, not any applicant, but this particular applicant wished to use the house himself 2478 and the Act only deals with houses for agricultural labourers or people in similar occupations.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes not the wording of the Act suggest that other residents in rural areas who are in almost identical or, at least, comparable occupations, shall also enjoy these privileges? As that is the case, does not the right hon. Gentleman think this might very well come within the meaning of the Act?