HC Deb 07 April 1913 vol 51 cc827-8W
Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTH

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that under the terms of the Labourers (Ireland) Acts local authorities are allowed to secure land for the erection of labourers' cottages, either on lease for ninety-nine years or, if necessary, by compulsion, the owner or occupier of such land being compensated out of the annual rental; that local authorities are also authorised to purchase or hire and put into repair any cottages which are in an unsatisfactory condition and to purchase and allot half an acre of land to each cottage; and will he consider the expediency of introducing legislation giving similar powers to local authorities in Scotland?

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

As my hon. Friend is aware, a Royal Commission on Housing in Scotland has been appointed, which will deal with the question he raises, and will doubtless consider any suggestions based on the Irish legislation to which he refers.

Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTH

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the nature of the cottage accommodation provided for agricultural labourers under the Labourers (Ireland) Acts, the number of cottages erected under the Acts, the number of labourers thus provided for, the average cost of each cottage, and the average weekly rental?

Mr. BIRRELL

In the early schemes, after the passing of the original Labourers Act of 1883, the accommodation provided usually comprised a kitchen (or living room) and two bedrooms; but in later years three bedrooms are generally provided. The Act of 1906 enabled cottages already built to be enlarged where necessary, and in several instances advantage has been taken of this provision to add a third bedroom where only two had been previously provided. On the 31st March, 1912, there were 39,241 cottages built and 3,439 others in course of construction. Each cottage is let to a labourer, but the Local Government Board have no information as to the number of the members of his family who may also be classed as labourers. The average cost of each cottage is approximately £170, but this includes not merely the cost of the building, but the cost of the land (not exceeding a statute acre in each case) and the legal, engineering and other incidental expenses in relation to the scheme under which the cottage was built. The average cost of the building alone would probably not exceed £130. The average weekly rental is about 1s. 1d.