HC Deb 09 May 1950 vol 475 cc188-9
32. Sir D. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will make an order under Section 77 of the Agricultural (Scotland) Act, 1948, which empowers him to raise housing improvement grants from a limit of £250 to £300 without reference to Parliament, so that crofters and agricultural workers will receive grants equal to those made to all other citizens.

Mr. McNeil

I am not satisfied that an increase in the limit of £250 is justified at present, since crofters normally undertake the unskilled work themselves.

Sir D. Robertson

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House how crofters and agricultural workers can get a house improved or repaired any more cheaply than anyone else?

Mr. McNeil

The hon. Gentleman is in error in thinking that the same provisions apply to crofters and agricultural workers. There are separate provisions for the agricultural workers. As regards the crofters, the traditional method is that the crofter does the job, and does it most excellently, himself, except for the skilled work.

Mr. John MacLeod

Is it the Government's policy to penalise a man for helping himself?

Mr. McNeil

No, it is the Government's policy to assist people such as crofters—and anyone else—who can apply spare-time labour to this job.

Sir D. Robertson

In view of the injustice implied here, I give notice that I shall raise this matter again at the earliest possible moment on the Adjournment.

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