§ 37. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many of the older cottages owned by the Forestry Commission in the Thetford and Swaffham area have been modernised, 940 and how many have not; and what steps are being taken so that all cottages inhabited by forestry workers in that area have such modern amenities.
§ Mr. John HareOf the 188 Forestry Commission cottages in the Thetford and Swaffham area built before 1914, the great majority are suitable for full or partial modernisation. Twenty-two have been fully modernised and a further 70 partly so. The Commission's policy for the remainder will be to keep them in good repair and modernise where suitable. Since 1945, 72 new houses have been built by the Commission in the area and a further seven are in course of being built.
§ Mr. DyeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the cottages are built close to the main sewers and that they are not being modernised and that their inhabitants—one example is the village of Mundford—do not have modern facilities?
§ Mr. HareThere may be some houses which are not fit for modernisation and which would be better replaced by new buildings. If the hon. Member will let me have further details, I will certainly make further inquiries for him.