§ 55. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the housing conditions in the county borough of West Ham; that there is little land available within the borough for housing sites, and that the local council hesitates to propose schemes of housing outside the borough because of the cost of maintenance and thereby increasing the local rates; and whether he will consider a special scheme of assistance for housing for such boroughs?
§ Mr. E. BROWNThe reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend is aware that the Corporation hesitate to propose schemes of housing outside the borough, but not that this hesitation is due to a fear of increased cost, and, indeed, he does not see that any such increase of cost is necessarily involved. He would, however, refer the hon. Member to the special provision made for areas adjacent to London in Section 48 of the Housing Act, 1930.
§ Mr. GROVESCan the Parliamentary Secretary give the House any information showing that any local authority has promoted a housing scheme outside its area which does not impose a cost on local rates?
§ Mr. GROVESBut can my hon. Friend state any local authority which has succeeded in applying that Act?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member had better consult his right hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield (Mr. Greenwood).