HC Deb 05 May 1953 vol 515 cc201-2
43. Colonel J. H. Harrison

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that many rural district councils are using the agricultural works rent subsidy for purposes other than the benefit of tenants who are agricultural workers; and if he will take steps to prevent such misuses of the subsidy.

Mr. H. Macmillan

The agricultural subsidy referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend is intended for small groups of houses in difficult and isolated sites. It is intended to prevent an undue rise in the rent owing to these special difficulties. I am sending him a copy of a circular in which these subsidy provisions are explained. If the circular does not meet the point he has in mind perhaps he will let me have particulars.

Colonel Harrison

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a strong feeling in East Anglia that the amount of subsidy for agricultural workers is rather diminishing today and is being spread over other people? They are losing something they previously had.

Mr. Snow

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one local authority is promulgating this particular policy on the ground that the agricultural statutory wage is now more or less the same as the industrial wage, which is not correct? Will he look into it?

Mr. Macmillan

I will send a copy of this circular to the hon. Gentleman. Perhaps we could have a word about it together.