16. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health the total number of dwelling houses built or acquired under the Housing Acts of last year which are now in occupation, the number actually under construction, and also the number for which plans have been finally approved and building contracts let; and whether he is satisfied that everything possible is being done to secure the completion of an adequate number of houses by the end of this year?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)According to returns received on the 1st April, 1920, 1,346 houses and flats were completed with the exception, in some cases, of painting. In addition 12,138 houses were in various stages of construction at that date. Tenders have been approved for 92,080 houses and contracts signed for the erection of 40,292 of these. The plans of 164,157 houses have been approved. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative, so far as matters over which I have any control are concerned.