19. Mr. L'ESTRANGE MALONEasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware of the percentage of workmen in Belgium who were enabled before the War to live in rural areas owing to the cheap facilities provided by the railways; whether his Department is co-operating with the Ministry of Health with a view to arranging for new housing schemes being laid out away from industrial centres and congested districts; and, if so, what proposals have been decided upon?
§ Sir E. GEDDESI am aware of the pre-War tramway and light railway facilities in Belgium, and in addition to having collected published information on the subject, representatives of this Ministry and of the Ministry of Health have visited Belgium. This Department is in close touch with the Ministry of Health and the Board of Trade in considering the best sites for new housing schemes and for the location of industries, and the principles which should be followed in dealing with congested areas.