§ 8. Mr. Scott-Hopkinsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many houses were built by rural district councils in the county of Cornwall during the years 1958, 1959, and 1960; and how many dwellings for old people were built by the same authorities for the same periods.
§ Mr. BrookeIn answer to the first part of the Question, 88, 141 and 89 respectively; in answer to the second part, 11, 7 and 51.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsIs my right hon. Friend aware that those figures are incredibly low? Does not he think that there is a case now for investigating the reasons why rural councils are at such a disadvantage compared with urban and municipal councils? Is there not something wrong in a case where a very small number of houses are being built by rural district councils when the need for them is equally great as it is in other areas?
§ Mr. BrookeI do not think that they are at a disadvantage. I was gratified to hear of the increases in the number of dwellings built for old people. This matter rests ultimately on the local electors who, if they troubled to cast their votes at elections, might get much better councils throughout the country.