22. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Health whether he can now make some statement on the progress of the farm cottage scheme; and if he can make a pronouncement of the details of the scheme for further development in the future.
§ Mr. WillinkBy the end of January, 244 cottages were finished. Acceptable tenders had been received and approved for another 2,594. Of these 2,358 were under construction and 1,467 were roofed in or at a later stage. The answer to the second part of the question is "No, Sir".
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. and learned Friend satisfied that there is really any co-ordination between his Department and the Ministry of Agriculture; and how is at that would-be tenants are not aware whether they can have cottages or not? Is it not necessary to have this matter tightened up?
§ Mr. WillinkThat seems to be a wholly different matter from that raised by the Question.
§ Mr. ShinwellAs it is nearly two years since my right hon. and learned Friend's predecessor promised 3,000 agricultural cottages, why is it that only 244 have been provided?
§ Mr. WillinkMy hon. Friend knows the difficulties of war-time. I really cannot, by way of Question and Answer, go into the difficulties arising in this matter.