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Farm Workers' Houses, Berkshire

Oral Answers to Questions — National Health Service – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 20 October 1949.

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Photo of Mr Anthony Hurd Mr Anthony Hurd , Newbury 12:00, 20 October 1949

asked the Minister of Health in how many cases in the past year the rural district councils in Berkshire have had to postpone the issue of permits for the building of farm workers' houses by private enterprise because of his Department's insistence on the 4–1 ratio in favour of council houses; and if, in view of the adverse effect on food production, he will allow farm workers' houses to be built irrespective of the general quota where the urgency of the need is certified by the county agricultural executive committee.

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

The information asked for in the first part of the Question is not available. I have no evidence that the existing arrangements for the provision of houses in rural districts of Berkshire adversely affect food production.

Photo of Mr Anthony Hurd Mr Anthony Hurd , Newbury

Will the Minister please make inquiries, because I get many letters from farmers who want to build houses for their workers who have been held up for six or nine months?

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

I do not agree with that.

Photo of Mr Edwin Gooch Mr Edwin Gooch , Norfolk Northern

Does not my right hon. Friend consider that the best way is to allow the district councils to build the houses?

Photo of Mr Aneurin Bevan Mr Aneurin Bevan , Ebbw Vale

My hon. Friend is aware that the provision of houses for renting in rural areas has made very considerable progress in the last year or so.

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