§ 32. Earl WINTERTONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that the difficulty experienced by agricultural labourers and manual workers generally in the country districts of obtaining cottages at a rent which they can reasonably afford to pay is as great as ever in most areas in the home counties; and whether, in these circumstances, he will circularise local authorities suggesting to them that they should provide cottages for the teachers, police officers, and other persons in their employ who at present, in many cases, occupy houses which are rent restricted and suitable for the tenancy of labourers?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREMy right hon. Friend is not aware that the difficulty to which my Noble Friend refers can be attributed to any appreciable extent to a failure to make use of such powers as local authorities possess to provide houses for persons in their employment or pay, but, if my Noble Friend will supply such evidence as he has, my right hon. Friend will consider whether he can take any steps in the matter.
§ Captain HEILGERSIs my hon. Friend satisfied with the progress that is being made under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act in regard to the reconditioning of cottages for agricultural workers?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREI wish the progress were faster. I shall be glad to have the co-operation and suggestions of my hon. and gallant Friend.
§ Earl WINTERTONIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that, while I shall be very pleased to supply him with that information, this is a matter of almost notoriety, known to every local authority? Surely he can obtain through official channels confirmation of the gross scandal which exists in the South of England.