Oral Answers to Questions — Public Health. – in the House of Commons am ar 29 Mehefin 1939.
asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to prepare schemes in rural and industrial areas in Wales, in view of the report on tuberculosis in Wales, to improve housing, water supplies, sewerage, and clinics; and whether he is considering special assistance to distressed areas to carry out the necessary schemes for public health purposes?
asked the Minister of Health whether, having regard to the nature of the report upon the extent of tuberculosis in Wales, and the bearing housing conditions have upon this disease, he is prepared to include in his plans for dealing with unemployment problems that greater expenditure be embarked upon in demolition of old and construction of new houses, and that without incurring additional rate charges upon depressed areas?
I gave details of the action I am taking on the report, in reply to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) on 8th June, and to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Cardiff, South (Colonel A. Evans) on nth May. So far as housing is concerned, a special survey is being made by my housing inspectors. They have, up to now, visited 22 districts, and I have received 10 reports. Subject to the conditions laid down by the Commissioner for the Special Areas, schemes, which are urgently necessary, submitted by local authorities in those areas for the improvement of public health services, are still eligible for consideration for assistance from the Special Areas Fund.