§ Mr. SITCHasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Chairman of the Housing Committee of the Irish Local Government Board has expressed the opinion that, to meet the case of the poorer members of the working-classes, the special rate for all loan charges should apparently be about I per cent., and the State-aided houses should be free of all rates for 10 years; and whether, in view of the difficulties in the way of Irish local authorities dealing with the housing problem, it is proposed to follow the course suggested?
§ Sir H. GREENWOODIf the Chairman of the Housing Committee expressed such an opinion it must have been a purely personal view and not an opinion expressed on behalf of the Local Government Board. The question of increasing the measure of Government assistance under the existing scheme, in view of the increased cost of building since that scheme was adopted in 1919 is under consideration, and I hope that an early decision will be arrived at.