§ 57. Mr. Hollisasked the Minister of Agriculture what are the terms of reference issued to agricultural executive committees, defining the conditions under which they may support applications from a producer of food for leave to build a house.
§ Mr. G. BrownCounty agricultural executive committees have been instructed to consider to what extent the carrying out of any particular housebuilding proposal is essential for the proper working of a holding and will result in an increase in food production; or to what extent the postponement of the work will lead in the near future to a decline in food production. They are then required to make a recommendation to the building licensing authority in the light of their view as to whether the value lo agriculture of a particular proposal is commensurate with the proposed expenditure of building labour and materials.
§ Mr. HollisIs the hon. Member aware that there are cases in which members of county committees would like to support an application but feel that under their terms of reference—such things as the age of the applicant, etc., which they themselves would not wish to be swayed by, but which they feel under compulsion to be swayed by—they are prevented from doing so? Will the Joint Parliamentary Secretary give an undertaking that they need not take these other things into account?
§ Mr. BrownI am not aware of that. The instructions given to the Committee are as I have read out, but if the hon. Member has any particular case in mind perhaps he will let me have it.
§ Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that even in cases where county agricultural committees recommend the granting of licences the Minister of Health will not issue licences if the ratio is more than one in five in that particular district.
§ Mr. BrownThat is always the case. In any case the hon. Gentleman will bear in mind there is no point in issuing licences for houses if there are no materials or men available to erect them.