§ Mr. J. WARDasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the housing of the workmen on the Alwyn Valley Waterworks, North Wales; whether he is aware that portions of the huts are under the surface of the ground, causing dampness and ill-health, and that bunks have been added 1201W since the huts were inspected by the medical officer, reducing the air space below what is recognised as healthy; whether there is any sanitary accommodation at the canteen; whether the water supply is insufficient; and, if so, what action, if any, he proposes to take under the Act authorising this undertaking?
§ Mr. BURNSI have made inquiries into the present conditions of the housing of workmen in connection with the works referred to. I am informed that in some instances the ground has not been sufficiently cut, so that parts of a few huts are not clear of the bank, resulting in some dampness; that the general health of the workmen is good, and there has been no overcrowding lately. Ventilation is stated to be ample. I am also informed that the sanitary accommodation at the canteen is inadequate, and the attention of the contractor has been called to it. No complaint has been made of the insufficiency of the water supply. The rural district council of the district concerned state that the inspector of nuisances has commenced a systematic inspection with a view of seeing that all defects are remedied at once.