§ Mr. REESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has in contemplation any scheme for the improvement of sanitation and water supply in villages in Wales?
§ Mr. BURNSIt is not the province of the Local Government Board themselves to make schemes for the improvement of sanitation and water supply. Under the Public Health Act, 1875, and other Acts, the necessary powers for these purposes are vested in the urban district councils and rural district councils. The Board have sanctioned many loans for such improvements in villages in Wales, and applications for sanction to further loans are under consideration at the present time. The Board are doing what they can to urge and encourage local authorities to carry out such schemes where they appear to be necessary or desirable.
§ Mr. REESMay I ask whether special grants are not made to Ireland under the Congested Districts Board? [HON. MEMBERS: "NO, no."]
§ Mr. BURNSI have no evidence of that, but even if it were true I am not anxious to apply that principle to Wales.
§ Mr. REESDoes the right hon. Gentleman think only Ireland has the privilege of suffering from congestion?
§ Mr. FLAVINIs the hon. Gentleman judging Ireland by his experience in India?