§ MR. BRODIE (Surrey, Reigate)To ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether it is the case that inquiries have recently been addressed to district and parish councils throughout the country, asking for a Return as to the housing requirements in their respective districts and parishes; whether any replies have yet been received; and whether in the event of such inquiries not having been made, he will consider the advisability of making them.
(Answered by Mr. John Burns.) Inquiries of the kind referred to were addressed to certain urban and rural district councils in 1901, and replies were duly received. I have not asked district and parish councils for a Return as to the housing requirements of their areas; but I recently addressed a circular to rural district councils relating to by-laws with respect to new streets and buildings, and I stated that the object of the circular was to secure that, whilst sanitary requirements should be strictly observed all unnecessary impediments in the development of building should be avoided.