§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that on many farms the housing conditions provided for farm workers are so bad that in normal times workers would not tolerate them, but that under the stand-still order such workers will be condemned to live on in insanitary, damp and dark cottages; and, in view of the unhappy relations thus likely to be caused between farmers and Workers, with resultant loss in food production, he will take whatever steps are necessary to enforce improvements of such cottages?
Mr. JohnstonThe need for improving the housing conditions of agricultural workers is universally admitted. Local authorities have been specifically authorised since September, 1939, to continue operations under the Housing Acts affecting agricultural workers wherever labour and materials are available. But it is not the case that the stand-still order adversely affects the position. Permission to move may be granted to an agricultural worker on application to the National Service officer, and any serious recent deterioration in the conditions of the accommodation or evidence that the quality of the housing is causing ill-health to the worker or his family would be good ground for such an application. Further, any agricultural worker has the additional option of becoming an employee of the local agricultural executive committee.