HC Deb 21 July 1938 vol 338 cc2415-6
51. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider amending the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts so as to cover, in addition, the purchase of small holdings on which houses could be erected by those who occupy and work on such holdings?

Mr. Elliot

The scope of the Small Dwellings Acquisition Acts is restricted to the acquisition of small houses but I understand that advances for the purchase of small holdings can already be obtained under Section 13 of the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1926. A person who had acquired a holding in this way could then apply for an advance for the erection of a house under Section 91 of the Housing Act, 1936.

Mr. De la Bère

Is this generally applicable to those who have spent years getting the land into good heart and are then dispossessed by those who have no sympathy with the holdings at all? Is it generally applicable?

Mr. Elliot

Generally applicable, yes.

Mr. Garro Jones

If a person wishes to purchase a holding upon which a house is already erected, will not the right hon. Gentleman make some provision for that?

Mr. Elliot

I do not think that that arises out of the question.

Mr. De la Bère

On a point of Order. I think that that does arise out of the question.

Mr. Elliot

The question says, "the purchase of small holdings on which houses could be erected."

Mr. De la Bère

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will let me put down another question?