§ 12. Mr. FIELDasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, in relation to local authorities and schemes for the better housing of the working classes, whether his attention has been directed to the reply of the President of the English Local Government Board to a deputation representing the newly-formed National Council to promote social centres, that local authorities would not bring forward schemes without promise of substantial financial assistance, that he hoped to be able to announce very shortly what the financial assistance would be; and that he had received a very generous response from the Treasury, but he could divulge nothing further at the moment; and whether he is in a position to give a similar assurance to Irish local authorities?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)No change in the intentions of the Government has taken place since I answered the hon. Member's questions on this subject on 22nd October, 23rd November, and 28th January. The question of the best procedure for dealing with arrears of rehousing at the end of the War is still under discussion.
§ Captain SHEEHANMay I ask whether the Local Government Board of England have not been taking steps in this matter, 245 and whether the Irish Local Government Board are taking any steps to, formulate a policy for housing after the War?
§ Mr. DUKEOh, yes. The Irish Local Government Board were taking steps long before the announcement was made in the newspapers that the English Local Government Board were taking steps.
§ Captain SHEEHANCould the right hon. Gentleman give us any idea of the nature of the policy or of the steps that have been taken?
§ 27. Captain SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the steps being taken by the English Local Government Board to provide for the housing of the working classes in the towns and cities of England, he will explain what steps are being taken in Ireland to carry out a similar policy; can he state what sum is being made available in England for post-war housing purposes, and what has been done by the Irish Government to secure that an equivalent amount shall be placed at the disposal of the Irish Local Government Board for these purposes; is he aware that much of the social unrest and the conditions of health which prevail in the slum districts of Dublin, Cork, and other Irish cities and towns are due to the housing conditions that exist unremedied; and whether any definite steps have been taken or any actual constructive policy adopted to see that Ireland has a full share in whatever work of re-housing is undertaken on the conclusion of War?
§ Mr. DUKEInformation as to housing needs in Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland has been and is being collected by the Irish Local Government Board, and I am in communication with the Board as to the best means of dealing with the matter in the several localities. A decision has not yet been arrived at with regard to the extent of assistance out of public funds which may be required or which will be available. I agree with the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion as to the serious consequences attributable to defective housing conditions in Dublin and elsewhere and am dealing with the question in consultation with the President of the Local Government Board, the Secretary for Scotland, and the Minister of Reconstruction.
§ Captain SHEEHANIs the Local Government Board in Ireland acting in conjunction with the borough councils and other urban bodies in Ireland, and getting information from them?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Local Government Board in Ireland, at the time I took office, had a very great amount of information on this subject. They have added to that information, and they go on adding to it, as far as it may be necessary. The real question is not the information necessary to gauge the amount of new housing that is required, but the mode of providing the accommodation at the end of the War.
§ Captain SHEEHANIs a definite policy or a scheme going to be adopted and made known publicly, so that public bodies may know what they are going to do after the War?
§ Mr. DUKEIf my hon. and gallant Friend had not been prevented from attending here by his other public duties he would know that I have stated on several occasions that that is intended.