§ Mr. LAWSONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the annual report of the acting medical officer of health for the rural district of the Isle of Wight showed that in 80 cases of houses for the working classes inspected during that year and found to be not in all respects reasonably fit for habitation, either no repairing notice was issued or, if issued, not enforced upon non-compliance; that the default was immediately after the circulation of the report made the matter of statutory complaint by a justice; whether the default has been investigated by the Department; whether the default has been to any extent remedied by the local authority; and, if so, to what extent?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the complaint referred to by the hon. Member. It appears from the annual report of the medical officer of health that defects were during the year reported in respect of 570 houses, and that during the same period 490 defective houses were remedied as a result of action taken by the council. My inspectors have, on several occasions during recent years, visited the district and conferred with the local authority, and I am satisfied that they are giving increasing attention to this matter.