24 DECEMBER 1937, Page 17

Old Cottages • It is strongly desired by the Ministry

of Health that as many people as may be shall avail themselves of the giant for reconditioning old cottages, but local bodies do not always agree with the Ministry or support it. A landowner in the West Country desired to rejuvenate some cottages in great need of repair. He fulfilled all conditions such as pledging himself to let then at not more than half a crown a week. His request was refused by the local =mull on the ground that he was well-off enough to recondition them without a loan, though it is specifically laid down that the status of the owner 'shall not be considered. The Ministry can do nothing in the matter.