HC Deb 26 May 1927 vol 206 cc2158-60
29. Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Health whether he has received any communication from the Conisborough Urban District Council relating to the disqualification of a councillor from voting or speaking as such providing he has received a subsidy and an advance on mortgage under the Housing Act, 1923; and, if so, will he state the nature of his reply and what action he intends to take to remove any doubt that may exist by virtue of Section 46 of the Local Government Act, 1894?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend has received the communication mentioned, and is sending the hon. Member a copy of his reply. He cannot promise at the present time to introduce legislation to amend the Act of 1894 in this particular.

Mr. WILLIAMS

Ought not this anomaly to be removed at the earliest possible moment, since it is giving rise, not only to doubt, but very possibly to illegality in such circumstances as are indicated in this question, and does not the hon. Gentleman think that a short Measure could be introduced to remove this doubt?

Sir K. WOOD

There are many differences of opinion on this question. I do not see any prospect of Parliamentary time being available for this purpose.

Mr. R. MORRISON

In view of the great importance of this question to people serving on local authorities, could the hon. Gentleman agree to the statement, which he proposes to send to my hon. Friend, being published in the OFFICIAL REPORT, in order that the public may know exactly what the position is with regard to a person serving on a local authority who has purchased his house by means of money advanced by the local council of which he is a member?

Sir K. WOOD

I do not think the hon. Member appreciates that the reply, of which I have undertaken to furnish a copy, deals with a particular case. I think that, so far as the facts generally are concerned, the law on the subject is perfectly well known.

Mr. A. HOPKINSON

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us if it is perfectly legal and proper for a member of a local authority in such circumstances to buy a house from a builder and for the builder to draw the subsidy?

Sir K. WOOD

I should like to have notice of a question like that.

Mr. H. WILLIAMS

Has the matter been tested in the Courts?

Sir K WOOD

I could not say.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Will the hon. Gentleman consult the Prime Minister, and ask him whether facilities could be afforded for a private Member's Bill?

Sir K. WOOD

I must ask the hon. Gentleman himself to address a question to the Prime Minister.