HC Deb 03 November 1932 vol 269 cc1960-1
32. Mr. T. GRIFFITHS

asked the Minister of Health what steps he has taken to press local authorities to take advantage of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1931?

Sir H. YOUNG

I assume that reference is intended to the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931. Circulars were issued to rural district councils and county councils immediately after the passing of the Act drawing attention to the facilities provided and to the fact that applications were required by the Act to be submitted before the 30th November, 1931.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

Is the Minister himself pressing local authorities to take advantage of the Act?

Sir H. YOUNG

I am unable to add anything to the answer I have given which details the actual steps that have taken place.

Mr. HICKS

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the number that have been built under the Act?

33. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Minister of Health how many houses have been approved under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1931; how many had been completed at the last convenient date; and how many were under construction?

Sir H. YOUNG

I assume that reference is intended to the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931. I understand that the committee appointed under the Act have entertained applications in respect of 1,717 houses. Authority has been given for tenders to be invited in respect of 1,076 houses and approval has been given to the acceptance of tenders in respect of 680 houses. Information is not available as to the last two parts of the question.

Mr. DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with this progress?

Sir H, YOUNG

I think, considering that this is in its nature an experimental Act, the progress may be considered satisfactory.

Sir P. HARRIS

Is Sir Tudor Walters still assisting in the administration of the Act?

34. Mr. GEORGE HALL

asked the Minister of Health how many meetings have been held of the committee under the chairmanship of the right hon. Sir Tudor Walters in connection with the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1931; and what was the date of the last meeting?

Sir H. YOUNG

The committee have held two meetings, the last of which was held on 20th January. Applications under the Act have been and are being dealt with in accordance with the general policy settled by the committee at that meeting.

Mr. HALL

Is the Minister encouraging or discouraging the meetings of this committee?

Sir H. YOUNG

It needs neither encouragement nor discouragement. The committee meets when there is need for it to meet in view of the applications.