HC Deb 22 February 1951 vol 484 cc1458-9
53. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

asked the Minister of Agriculture for what purpose the four cottages at Clay Hill, Lyndhurst, are being built by the Forestry Commission; and whether it is intended that they shall be tied cottages.

Mr. T. Williams

The cottages are being built for Forestry Commission employees and will be either let on a tenancy basis or occupied rent free as part of the employees' emoluments.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

In view of the fact that many landlords in the New Forest are wanting to build cottages, why have the Forestry Commission, which is only a small section, thought it right to build four cottages, which must mean that many other sections of the agricultural community cannot have any cottages?

Mr. Williams

That bears no relation to the Question on the Order Paper.

Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyre

Why should the Minister consider himself entitled to build four tied cottages when no landlord in the area is allowed to build one?

Mr. Williams

We build cottages where we happen to need them.

Mr. Baldwin

If the men occupying these cottages lose their jobs with the Forestry Commission, will they have to give up the cottages?

Mr. Williams

That is a purely hypothetical question.