§ 44. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Health in how many cases in the past year the rural district councils in Berkshire have had to postpone the issue of permits for the building of farm workers' houses by private enterprise because of his Department's insistence on the 4–1 ratio in favour of council houses; and if, in view of the adverse effect on food production, he will allow farm workers' houses to be built irrespective of the general quota where the urgency of the need is certified by the county agricultural executive committee.
§ Mr. BevanThe information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. I have no evidence that the existing arrangements for the provision of houses in rural districts of Berkshire adversely affect food production.
§ Mr. HurdWill the Minister please make inquiries, because I get many letters from farmers who want to build houses for their workers who have been held up for six or nine months?
§ Mr. GoochDoes not my right hon. Friend consider that the best way is to allow the district councils to build the houses?
§ Mr. BevanMy hon. Friend is aware that the provision of houses for renting in rural areas has made very considerable progress in the last year or so.