Mr. F. GREENasked the Minister of Health whether he has found the town of Bedford to be in default in housing; if so, on what grounds; and what action he is taking in the matter?
595W
§ Dr. ADDISONYes, Sir. I regret that I have been compelled to find the Town Council of Bedford in default, in view of the fact that, although it is admitted by the Council that not less than 400 houses are required to meet the housing needs of the town, no practical steps have been taken by the Council to meet those needs. I have therefore decided to arrange for the carrying out of a scheme by the Ministry of Health, and negotiations for the purchase of sites are in progress and the necessary plans are being prepared. The cost of carrying out the scheme will be recoverable from the Town Council, and they are liable to lose the Exchequer subsidy which can only be claimed by local authorities who perform their statutory obligations.