HC Deb 20 November 1941 vol 376 cc461-2
56. Sir William Wayland

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to see that the 5s. licence on all tractors can be used to enable farmers to collect building materials required for the repair of farm cottages rented to their farm labourers in the same way as for the collection of materials required for food production?

Mr. Hudson

Agricultural tractors licensed at 5s. per annum can be used to collect building materials required for the repair of such farm cottages under the same conditions as for the collection of materials, such as feeding-stuffs and fertilisers, required by the licensee for food production.

57. Sir P. Hurd

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that many more young people would settle on the land but for the lack of farmworkers' cottages with modern sanitation and conveniences, and whether he will take steps through the county war agricultural committees to induce county councils and such bodies as the Commissioners of Crown Lands to build new cottages and recondition old ones where, as is often the case, the necessary labour and material can be secured?

Mr. Hudson

In view of the shortage of both labour and buildings materials, it would be out of the question, during the present emergency, for the Government to press housing authorities to embark generally on new housing schemes for agricultural workers. The Government have, however, given facilities to such authorities for the erection of new houses which are essential in the interests of wartime food production and for the reconditioning of existing houses occupied by agricultural workers.

Sir P. Hurd

Will my right hon. Friend use every opportunity to impress upon the Commissioners of Crown Lands their duty in respect to rural housing?

Mr. Hudson

As a result of a visit to property in my hon. Friend's constituency, I am taking up the matter of reconditioning these particular cottages.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

If people live in cottages which are not connected with farms, and the people themselves are not in any way connected with agriculture, should they be turned out to make room for farm workers?

Mr. Hudson

That question does not arise.