HC Deb 04 November 1946 vol 428 c1050
56. Mr. Dye

asked the Minister of Agriculture in which country districts he is proposing to build cottages for the Forestry Commission; which of the district councils were approached with a view to supplying the needs of the forestry workers; and what were the reasons for their refusal.

Mr. T. Williams

There are 143 forests in England and Wales, and it is proposed to build houses in practically all of them. The corresponding number of local authorities is not known, but is certainly large. Several local authorities have been approached, but it appears that they have no powers to set aside part of their quota of houses for the exclusive use and occupation of forestry workers.

Mr. Dye

Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is the duty of the local housing authorities to provide houses for all the workers in their neighbourhoods? Why is it necessary for the Forestry Commission to have extra powers to build houses for their workers?

Mr. Williams

The explanation is that local authorities have not built the houses that the Forestry Commission require.

Mr. Dye

Is my right hon. Friend aware that some of them are willing to do so?