§ 30. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Health if he has considered the resolution carried by the Tyldesley Urban District Council informing him of the urgent need of a type of house above 760 square feet area for three rooms, that they have already built a number of three-roomed houses of 900 square feet area, and that this larger type of house is more in conformity with what is wanted; and will he give consideration to the request?
Sir H. YOUNGI have carefully considered the council's proposals but I see no sufficient reason to approve a departure from the considered policy expressed in the Circular (1238) which I caused to be issued to all local authorities last January and a copy of which I have already sent to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. TINKERI understand that that circular gave the Minister discretion or power to sanction a larger type of house, and, seeing that this larger type of house has met with the approval of most of the inhabitants, cannot the right hon. Gentleman see his way to use his power to sanction its erection?
Sir H. YOUNGUndoubtedly, there is a discretion in the Minister when a special case is established for a house larger than the normal type, but he cannot make the concession when he considers that such a case is not established.
§ Mr. TINKERIf a request comes from more than one locality asking for a better type of house, cannot it be done? I understand that the 760-feet house is so small that one cannot swing the proverbial cat in the rooms.
Sir H. YOUNGThe hon. Member will understand that the policy is to confine such public funds as are available to the construction of that type of house which is most needed, and whether another type is needed or not must depend upon a special case being made For the locality. In this particular case, it was not considered that that had been established.