§ 50. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the co-operative self-housing methods adopted in Austria, whereby already ever 5,000 houses have been constructed by those who inhabit them; and will he cause an inquiry to be made into this system for the purpose of seeing whether it can be applied in this country?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am already aware of the good work that has been accomplished in Austria by co-operative 1366 self-housing methods in which a large proportion of the building labour is supplied by the intended occupants of the houses and their families working in their spare time. Instances of similar arrangements have occurred in this country and there are agencies seeking to promote the method. Assistance by means of loans and subsidy may be given by local authorities, and I should regard with sympathy further efforts to develop such co-operative building.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the houses in the Highlands are constructed by the crofters themselves?