HC Deb 03 March 1953 vol 512 c19W
Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities are refusing to entertain applications for the reconditioning of agricultural cottages in terms of the Housing Act, 1952.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Local authorities do not inform me when they reject applications for improvement grants, but in view of the regrettably small use made of these facilities I have, through my principal regional officers, been urging local authorities to be as helpful and encouraging as possible to applicants for grant. I should be happy to look into any evidence which my hon. Friend may have of the particular difficulty he has in mind.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Governmenthow many applications have been received by local authorities for grants for the reconditioning of agricultural cottages in terms of the Housing Act, 1952; and how many have been rejected.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I regret that this information is not available. Local authorities inform me only of applications for improvement grant which they propose to approve and their returns do not distinguish between agricultural cottages and other dwellings.