§ 74. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health the number of dwellings actually completed at 30th September, 1929, in agricultural parishes under the provisions of the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1924?
§ Mr. GREENWOODYes, Sir, the number was 14,487.
§ 75. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Health the number of dwellings in respect to which grants and / or loans have been promised under the provisions of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926; and the number of such dwellings on which work has been actually commenced?
§ Mr. GREENWOODUp to the 30th September last the latest date for which figures are available, assistance had been promised under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act in respect of 2,200 dwellings. Work had been actually commenced on 2,034 of these and completed on 1,402.
§ Mr. HURDCan the right hon. Gentle-man say whether he is considering the importance of expediting the use of the Rural Workers Act by the county councils?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI understand that my predecessor, who was far better able 2212 to exercise pressure on these bodies than I am, tried to do so, but he was not successful.
§ Mr. GOULDWould the Minister of Health consider the advisability of transferring the functions under this Act from the county councils to the rural district councils?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe reverse procedure is the operation under the Act.
§ Mr. HURDDid not the right hon. Gentleman's predecessor use all the influence he could, and, seeing that new developments have arisen, will the right hon. Gentleman follow that good example?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI have no desire not to make this Act work, if it can be made to work, and I am only too anxious to take what steps I can, but I am doubtful about the results.