§ 42. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Health the number of houses reconstructed under the provisions of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act during the year ended 30th September, 1934?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe number of dwellings in England and Wales which were reconditioned or improved under the Housing (Rural Workers) Acts during the year ended the 30th September, 1934, was 1,215 and work was in progress at that date on a further 1,020.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISDoes the hon. Gentleman consider that this progress is satisfactory, in view of the fact that these figures apply to the whole country? Is it not necessary to do something more in this direction?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREYes. Quite frankly, the progress has not been satisfactory, although we have been able to accelerate the rate. The hon. Baronet should await the introduction of the new Bill in January.
§ 43. Captain HEILGERSasked the Minister of Health the number of houses built by rural district councils during the year ended 30th September, 1934?
§ Mr. SHAKESPEAREThe number was 3,860.
§ Captain HEILGERSDoes not that answer disclose the fact that progress in rural housing is a long way behind that in urban housing?