§ 69. Mr. F. GOULDasked the Minister of Health if he will give the number of houses needed in rural and semi-rural areas, separately, in England, Scotland, and Wales, as estimated by the D 89 Returns made under the Addison building scheme?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI regret that the information, in the precise form desired by the hon. Member, is not available, but according to the returns in question, which were obtained from local authorities in 1919, the number of houses stated to be required during the subsequent three years in the areas of rural district councils to meet unsatisfied demands was for England 71,727, and for Wales 11,932. As regards Scotland, I would suggest that the hon. Member should address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland.
§ Mr. MASTERMANCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether that is an increase or a decrease in the four years, and can he give us the figure up to date for 1924?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have not the information asked for in the supplementary question.
§ Mr. F. GOULDDoes the number mentioned take into account the derelict houses, that is, the houses that have been reported as defective?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI am inclined to think that it does.
§ 90. Mr. E. BROWNasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with the housing proposals of the Government, attention will be paid to rural areas; and if his Department is prepared to investigate and consider representations from areas requiring a few cottages?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe question of housing in rural areas is being considered in connection with the general proposals of the Government for dealing with the housing question. Under the Housing, Etc. Act, 1923, I have already authorised the erection of 22,940 houses in rural districts, and my Department is prepared to consider any further proposals for the erection of cottages in such areas.
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI do not think that the House need anticipate any great delay.
§ Mr. E. BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many villages where a comprehensive scheme is not wanted, but a few cottages are very badly wanted?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYYes, I have no doubt that the Government will take the wants of such districts into account.