§ 26. Mr. Digbyasked the Minister of Health if the is yet in a position to make a statement regarding the Government's intentions for the implemenation of the recommendations of the Hobhouse Committee on Rural Housing.
§ Mr. BevanYes. The Government have given careful consideration to the question of the improvement of existing houses, in relation to the housing programme. They remain of opinion that for the present the most urgent need is to concentrate on the building of new houses as much labour and materials as can be made available. They intend, however, to include in their housing programme provision for the improvement of existing houses and to make available financial assistance to local authorities in town and country for approved proposals (whether carried out by the local authority or by other persons) in order to secure work of a good standard and accommodation at approved rents. Proposals will be worked out in detail in consultation with the associations of local authorities and legislation will be introduced so that facilities may be available as soon as the situation in regard to labour and materials justifies this expansion of the programme.
§ 28. Sir A. Gridleyasked the Minister of Health if the is aware that it is estimated that there are upwards of 7,000 rural cottages condemned, many of which possess considerable architectural beauty and could be restored by qualified architects at half the cost of new building; and what steps the is prepared to take to avoid this needless waste of materials and money.
§ Mr. BevanNo. In any case I have no power to rescind demolition orders once 73W made and do not propose to seek such power. I would however refer the hon. Member to Circular 61/47, of which I am sending him a copy, which deals with demolition of unfit houses.