1. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a very large number of cottages now inhabited by the agricultural labourers in the South of England have been officially condemned as being legally unfit for human habitation; and whether he proposes to take any steps to make these houses fit for habitation or to provide alternative accommodation?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)Statistics are not available as to the number of condemned cottages which are occupied by agricultural labourers in the South of England. The hon. Member is, no doubt, aware that it is the duty of local authorities to take action in respect of such cottages, and to consider what new housing accommodation is needed in their district. The whole question of rural housing is at present receiving close attention.
Mr. THOMSONIn default of the local authorities taking action, what do the Government propose to do in the matter?
§ Sir K. WOODI have no doubt I shall be able to explain later to-day.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEAre the Ministry considering the extreme value of patchwork for the time being, and insisting on local authorities doing much more than at present in the amendment and improvement of existing houses?
§ Sir K. WOODI hope it may be possible to make a statement on that matter this morning.