HC Deb 17 March 1936 vol 310 cc233-4
70. Mr. QUIBELL

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider further applications from local authorities in the Brigg division who desire to provide houses under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1931, as it has been found impossible to provide houses at low rents without the grants provided for in the above-mentioned Act?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the provisions of Section 1, sub-section (3), of the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931, which provides that contributions under that Act might only be made to such rural district councils as made application to the committee before 30th November, 1931.

Mr. QUIBELL

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this particular area has forwarded a resolution to his Department informing it that there is no solution to the housing problem for the rural districts that the rural council can provide except within the provisions of this Act?

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

That would be an exaggeration, because the particular district in question has a very big slum clearance programme, and it will take all its time to carry that out.

Mr. QUIBELL

Not one agricultural labourer has been housed under that Act.