§ 41. Captain CAZALETasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Wiltshire County Council has refused various applications in regard to the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, and that it has declined to give any reasons for these refusals; and whether he is contemplating introducing legislation to 1914 compel county councils to carry out this Act?
§ Sir K. WOODI am aware of the action taken by the Wiltshire County Council. At the date of the last return they had received 41 applications for grants, of which 17 had been allowed. I understand that at a recent meeting the county council resolved to exercise discrimination in taking advantage of the provisions of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act. I understand that the discrimination referred to is between those who are thought to have means of their own sufficient to carry out improvements and those who have not, but my right hon. Friend has already expressed his view that no such test ought to be imposed under the Act, the benefits of which go to the tenants rather than to the landlords. Although the progress so far made is disappointing, my right hon. Friend hopes that it will not be necessary to introduce further legislation.
§ Mr. HURDWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the fact that some of these refusals have evidently been made under a misapprehension, and gill he suggest to the county council that it might be as well to reconsider them in view of the new facts which have come to light?
§ Sir K. WOODIf my hon. Friend will give me the particulars, I will gladly consider them.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the fact that the experience in Wiltshire is identical with the experience all over the country, and that this Act is scarcely worth the paper it is printed on?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir, certainly not.