37. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he has decided to dispense with the services of the qualified women inspectors appointed on the staffs of the Housing Commissioners in 1919 to investigate and report on the insanitary dwellings which abound in urban and rural centres; and, if so, whether he will reconsider his decision, in view of the importance of ascertaining the extent to which slums and bad housing conditions prevail in the various urban and rural districts throughout the country?
§ Sir A. MONDThe answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The primary responsibility as regards unfit houses and slum areas rests with the local authorities, and I think that the Central Department should interfere only where necessary. In view of the urgent need for economy, it has been decided that questions relating to these matters shall be dealt with at headquarters.
Mr. THOMSONDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider it is a real economy to dispense with the services of these inspectors while the same conditions are allowed to remain?
§ Sir A. MONDI do not think that arises out of the question on the Paper. The hon. Member only asked me if a certain staff was necessary.