HC Deb 25 January 1944 vol 396 cc526-7
37. Mr. Granville

asked the Minister without Portfolio if he is aware that local authorities are unable to make arrangements for improved social amenities such as water supply, drainage, improved lighting and housing, until His Majesty's Government have announced their policy on rural development; and when such a statement of policy is likely to be made.

The Minister without Porfolio (Sir William Jowitt)

I am informed that rural authorities are making substantial progress in the preparation of their postwar plans in connection with the matters to which my hon. Friend refers. In reply to the last part of the Question I would refer him to the statement made on 30th November, 1943, by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Town and Country Planning in answer to a Question by the hon. and gallant Member for Penryn and Falmouth (Major Petherick) of which I am sending him a copy and to which I have at present nothing to add.

Mr. Granville

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that on some of even the most minor questions the position of local authorities has become extremely serious because they do not know what is in the Government's mind for the future; and will he consult with the Minister of Health on the urgency of some of these questions?

Sir W. Jowitt

Certainly, Sir, but it is satisfactory to know that the plans of the rural authorities are going on very well.