§ 17. Mr. MAXTONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that about 2,000 miners are travelling to work at Cefn Coed Colliery, Crynant, from all parts of South Wales, involving travelling expenses of 6s. or 7s. a week because there is no housing accommodation for them in the district; that owing to the housing shortage miners are being asked to pay a rent of 15s. a week for the houses to be let in the district; what steps he proposes to take to make provision of houses for these men at rents within their capacity to pay; and whether he will consider introducing legislation to restrict the rents in such circumstances?
Sir H. YOUNGI am aware that many miners working in the Neath Rural District are travelling considerable distances to their work. I approved some time ago the erection of 250 houses by the Rural District Council towards relieving the housing shortage and the council have been informed that I am prepared to consider further proposals. I am not satisfied that legislation of the kind suggested in the second part of the question, in addition to the Rent Restrictions Acts, would be either practicable or desirable.
§ Mr. MAXTONAs the Rent Restrictions Acts cannot protect these people, will the right hon. Gentleman take powers to meet so urgent a case, which he knows will not be met for a considerable time?
§ Mr. MAXTONIf a man is earning £2 a week and has to pay 15s. rent, is that adequate protection?
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the special problem in relation to housing in a district where a colliery opens and where there are no houses available?