§ MR. YERBURGH (Chester)I hog to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the Reports of the Sub-Commissioners appointed by the Royal Commission on Labour, in regard to the important question of cottage accommodation for the agricultural labourer, which said Reports, while stating that on the estates of the large landowners and in the close villages the cottages are of sufficient size, in proper sanitary condition, and well kept up, state that in the open villages, and where land is held by small speculators, there are large numbers of cottages which are unlit for human habitation; and whether he proposes to take any steps to deal with the matter?
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. H. H. FOWLER, Wolverhampton, E.)I am aware of the Reports of the Sub-Commissioners appointed by the Royal Commission on Labour in regard to the question of cottage accommodation for agricultural labourers. The Sanitary Authorities have full powers for the purpose of dealing with cottages which are in an insanitary condition. The Reports referred to are considered by the Local Government Board in connection with the annual Reports of the Medical Officers of Health which they are now receiving, and the attention of the Sanitary Authority will be drawn to the subject when this appears to be necessary.