§ 50. Mr. W. B. TAYLORasked the Minister of Health what steps, if any, are taken by the Ministry where rural authorities fail to provide cottages in rural areas?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe need for the adequate discharge of their duties under the existing Housing Acts is impressed upon any local authority if I have any 1165 good reason to think that they do not recognise it. The whole question of rural housing is under consideration in connection with the new proposals which I hope shortly to lay before the House.
§ Mr. TAYLORHas my right hon. Friend any reason to believe that some rural authorities are very much asleep in regard to providing the necessary cottages in many villages?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThat may be true; I should be glad to investigate any cases which my hon. Friend might put before me.
§ Mr. KEDWARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are some rural district councils which have not built a single house and have declined to do so, although representations have been made to them from time to time?
§ Captain EDENIs the right hon. Gentleman in consultation with any local authorities as to the new proposals?
§ Mr. GREENWOODYes.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWill the right hon. Gentleman call the attention of the local authorities to a form of rural cottage called the Nash house?
§ Viscount LYMINGTONWill the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether he proposes to take steps to push local authorities which are backward in the working of the Rural Housing Act?