HC Deb 24 June 1910 vol 18 cc655-6W
Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the want of proper accommodation for the housing of the working classes in Portadown and to the statement made by Mr. Clow, J.P., at the meeting of the local urban council on 6th June, to the effect that a large manufacturer in the town had asked him to press the matter forward, as there was an absolute necessity at present for at least 100 houses, and the absence of house accommodation prevented the employment of large numbers of workers; and whether the Local Government Board would make representations to the local authorities with a view to the putting in operation of the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act in Portadown?

Mr. BIRRELL

I am aware that statements to the effect indicated in the question were published in the newspapers, from which it also appears that the Portadown Urban District Council, at their meeting on the 21st instant, deferred for further consideration the proposal to provide 100 houses. The Local Government Board are not in a position to compel the district council to erect working class lodging-houses under the Act.

Mr. DEVLIN

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the system of housing which exists in Ulm, Wurtemberg, under which the town constructs the house, the purchaser pays 10 per cent, of the net price immediately, and goes on paying 3 per cent, interest and 2 per cent, amortisation in lipuidation of the purchase price until the whole of the money is paid, the town reserving its right to take back the house in case of default in the payment of the annual charge; and whether, if the consent of all parties in Ireland were obtained, he would consider the advisability of passing a similar measure for Ireland?

Mr. BIRRELL

While the Local Government Board have no doubt that the schema referred to is an excellent one and very well suited to the people of Ulm, they cannot help feeling that the recent Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act is better adapted to the requirements of the urban districts of Ireland.