§ 65. Mr. EMLYN-JONESasked the Minister of Health the number of cottages which have been built in purely rural districts since 1922; and whether he has any information as to the number of farm workers who occupy the said houses?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI regret that the information for which the hon. Member asks is not available. It could only be ascertained by a special return obtained from a large number of local authorities. The total number of houses completed in the areas of rural district councils since 1922 under Government-assisted schemes is 3,297. During the half-year to September, 1923, there were 9,427 houses of less than £26 rateable value erected by private enterprise in these areas.
§ Mr. EMLYN-JONESIs it the intention of the Government to take special steps to minimise the hardship of the tied cottage system in rural districts?
§ Mr. HOFFMANWill the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to ask for the return suggested in this question?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI will ascertain whether such information is available without any considerable difficulty or expense, and, if it is, I will present it to the House.
§ Mr. EMLYN-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government intend to take special steps to minimise the hardships of the tied cottage system?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am not in a position to make a statement yet regarding the Government's housing policy.