HC Deb 15 December 1938 vol 342 c2163
43. Mr. J. Morgan

asked the Minister of Health how many county councils do not apply the maximum grant allowed under the Housing (Rural Workers) Reconstruction Act; and what is the position in regard to Wiltshire in this connection?

Mr. Elliot

So far as I am aware two county councils (of which Wiltshire is one), have made a practice of limiting the maximum grant made to an amount less than the full sum which could be granted under the Statute. So far as Wiltshire is concerned, I understand that the county council normally limited the maximum grant to £80 unless the dwelling in respect of which a grant is claimed has been the subject of action by the council of the county district or special circumstances are present, but that the question of altering this practice is under consideration.

Mr. Morgan

Is there a tendency in both cases for the county councils to neglect the erection of working-class houses?

Mr. Elliot

I think Wiltshire has done a good deal, but in this matter it is considering an alteration of its practice.