Major Braithwaiteasked the Minister of Health if it is the Government's policy that every effort should be made to modernise all existing rural houses which are capable of improvement; and will he instruct local authorities to this effect.
§ Mr. WillinkIt is the Government's intention that all rural cottages which can be made fit for habitation should be made fit. The Housing Acts empower local authorities to require owners to carry out any works necessary for this purpose. In addition, the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts provide financial assistance for owners willing to undertake a higher standard of modernisation and improvement. The amount of work which can be done at the present time is governed by the limited amount of labour and materials available. Local authorities have already been informed that all available labour should be concentrated on repairs.