§ Mr. SHEEHANasked the Chief Secretary whether any steps have been taken during the past three months by the Mac-room Rural District Council to secure con- 1694W tractors for the building of labourers' cottages uncontracted for under the last scheme, and, if so, with what results; is he aware that the reason why contractors have not hitherto tendered in sufficient numbers is that the price allowed for the erection of each cottage is insufficient, having regard to the increase in the price of building materials within the past few years; and will immediate steps be taken to have cottages built for those labourers who have been forced to live in insanitary dwellings for many years whilst sites have been actually acquired for their better housing, but no other steps taken towards that end?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on 22nd October last, to-which I have nothing to add at present. A further communication will be addressed to the rural district council in reference to this matter.