HC Deb 04 February 1943 vol 386 cc1031-2
32. Sir Percy Hurd

asked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to make any statement about the building of cottages for farm workers.

Mr. E. Brown

Yes, Sir. The Government have authorised preliminary arrangements being made for the building by local authorities of a limited number of cottages for farm workers. Increased food production has aggravated the existing shortage, and the cottages will be built where the need is most acute. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and I have already been in consultation with the Rural District Councils Association, who have promised full support for the scheme. Preliminary preparations are being made on the basis of 3,000 cottages, but the number which can be built during 1943 will depend on the labour and materials which can be made available, having regard to the requirements of other vital schemes. The cottages will be built in villages on sites agreed with the county war agricultural executive committees and will be let to selected agricultural workers. A circular explaining the Scheme is being sent to-day to the rural district councils concerned, a list of which has been placed in the Library.

Sir. P. Hurd

I take it from the answer that my right hon. Friend has received assurances that rural district councils in about 500 parishes will co-operate heartily with the Ministry of Health, and the war agricultural committees to ensure the success of this useful scheme?

Mr. Brown

My right hon. Friend and I had the opportunity of seeing the executive of the Association of Rural District Councils, and they promised their hearty co-operation.

Captain Poole

Will the question of prefabricated dwellings be taken into consideration?

Mr. Brown

That is another question.

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