RURAL WORKERS ACT.

HC Deb 02 June 1932 vol 266 c1311

27. Captain HEILGERS

asked the Minister of Health the number of applications, either for grant or loan, under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, which were approved in the year 1931, and the number of houses completed under the same Act in 1931?

Sir H. YOUNG

The numbers in England and Wales were 1,324 and 1,471 respectively.

Captain HEILGERS

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with this rate of progress in rural housing?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am by no means satisfied with the use which has been made of the powers under the Act, and I think that it is very desirable that more attention should be called to the powers under the Act, with a view to better use being made of it.

Mr. BOOTHBY

Is it not a fact that a great deal more use has been made of the Act in Scotland than in England?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am not quite sure, but I think that that is very likely so.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Does the Minister take into account whether the local authority are using the Act when they apply for a loan or for assistance for new houses?

Sir H. YOUNG

Most undoubtedly. It is a matter which will be taken into account.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that as far as Scotland is concerned there never were so many house builders unemployed as there are to-day?