§ 41. Sir N. MOORE (for Mr. HURD)asked the Minister of Health to what extent county councils have used their powers under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926; and if, under the provision of Sub-section (1) of Section 5 of the Act, relating to special circumstances, he will invite rural district councils to undertake these powers in areas where county councils have rejected applications on grounds which the Ministry hold to be outside the intentions of Parliament?
§ Sir K. WOODUp to the end of March last, the latest date for which information is available, applications had been received by county councils for assistance under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, in respect of 960 dwellings. At the same date, assistance had been promised in respect of 272 20 dwellings, and work had been finished on 38 dwellings and was in progress on 139 dwellings. With regard to the last part of the question, my right hon. Friend will certainly consider whether different administrative arrangements should be made in cases where he is satisfied that county councils are not administering the Act in a satisfactory manner.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not the case that most of these county councils have refused to administer the Act because they object to the Government's policy under this head?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir; I am not aware of that fact.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that some of them sent in objections of that description?