§ 51. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health how many rural district councils, or other authorities responsible for or able to undertake the erection of working-class dwellings in agricultural parishes under the various post-War Housing Acts, have used these powers; how many cottages have been built and let at rents within the means of agricultural labourers; and how many of these cottages are actually tenanted by land workers?
§ Sir K. WOODSince the Armistice, 132,226 houses have been completed in 590 rural districts under the various Housing Acts, but my right hon. Friend is not able to say how many of these are in agricultural parishes or to give information as to rentals or tenancies.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHow are we to know what value the various Housing Acts have been to agricultural labourers unless we can know how many houses were erected in rural areas and how many are tenanted by these labourers?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is not a matter for the Ministry of Health, but no doubt the hon. Member could get into touch with many agricultural labourers who are receiving the benefits of the Housing Acts.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Gentleman not think it is the duty of the Department to ascertain exactly how many houses have been erected for land workers and how many houses are tenanted by the people who are in the greatest need of them?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, we are more anxious to build houses than to obtain figures.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that, notwithstanding all their Housing Acts, very few houses have been erected which are to-day tenanted by land workers?
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that in the last Parliament the Labour party joined with his party in turning down an Amendment from the Liberal Benches asking for a survey, which would have given the Labour party the information they now want?
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe cannot have a Debate on that now.