HC Deb 25 February 1943 vol 387 cc312-3W
Captain De Chair

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the example of the Downham Rural District Council in making allowances off the rent of council houses in respect of children under, and of, school age; and, as the rents suggested for rural workers' houses under the Government's new proposals would be in the neighbourhood of 12s. 2d. per week, including rates, whether he will approve of the rural district council in question making similar deductions in respect of children and assist them in this matter?

Mr. E. Brown

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." As regards the second part, no approval is necessary, in view of the powers given to local authorities by Sub-section (5) of Section 85 of the Housing Act, 1936. No further Exchequer assistance would however be available on this account.

Captain De Chair

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the rural district council of Downham was, before the war, engaged upon a scheme for the erection of 450 houses to meet the demand for rural workers' houses in that area; that this was preceded by a survey of housing conditions in the area which disclosed that there were approximately 600 houses in various states of unfitness for the housing of rural workers, 400 of which were deemed unfit for human habitation by the medical officer of health; that about 14 houses had been constructed when war broke out, whereupon orders were received to stop building; and whether he will reconsider the allocation of 36 houses to this rural district council under the Government's proposal for erecting 3,000 rural workers' houses?

Mr. Brown

I am fully aware of the comprehensive schemes for the improvement of rural housing conditions on which this and other rural district councils were engaged at the outbreak of war and share their disappointment at the interruption of progress. The war-time agricultural building scheme recently announced is admittedly a very small contribution to the total need but the total number of houses must depend on the amount of labour and materials which can be made available, having regard to the requirements of other vital schemes. This being so, I should not feel justified in suggesting to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture that the allocation to Downham Rural District should be increased.

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