52. Mr. FREDERICK HALLasked the Minister of Health what proportion of the housing shortage of 800,000 in England and Wales and 130,000 in Scotland, as determined by the 1919 housing survey, was in primarily rural areas?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe 800,000 referred to was, approximately, the number of houses which local authorities in England and Wales estimated in 1919 would be required during the subsequent three years to meet unsatisfied demands and replacement of houses falling below a reasonable standard. I am unable to say how many of these were in primarily rural areas, but the number in all rural districts was 150,000. It was difficult to obtain satisfactory estimates, and the hon. Member must not take it that I regard these figures as reliable. As regards Scotland, the hon. Member should address a question to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.