§ 56. Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied with the rate of progress in rehousing in Stoke, Fenton, and Longton; is he aware of the constant demand of the Longton Traders' Association that houses should be built at rents that people can afford to pay on the many sites that have been cleared; and what is his position with reference to that request?
§ Sir K. WoodThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In regard to the second part of the question, I have recently received representations from the North Staffordshire Traders' Council and have asked for the observations of the local authority.
§ Mr. MathersWill not the right hon. Gentleman inform local authorities that properly supervised schemes to build houses by direct labour provide better and cheaper houses and thus allow lower rents to be charged?
§ 57. Mr. E. Smithasked the Minister of Health whether he will have an inquiry made as to whether the houses built at Kilsyth and Johnstone which are let at a rental of five shillings a week could be built in Fenton and Longton, and what would be the rent of such houses; also whether any of the Manchester Chamberlain, or Mitchell Gardens, or Greenwood or Compton or Kingsley Wood houses could be built in Stoke, Fenton, and Longton; and, if so, will he take steps to expedite the preparation of the best schemes to suit the area?
§ Sir K. WoodThe rents at which houses can be let necessarily vary with the circumstances of particular districts and the decision as to the type of house best suited for a particular district is one for the responsible local authority. I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of the local authority.