§ Sir R. THOMASasked the Minister of Health, whether he is aware that in the country districts of Wales there are many old houses which are directly instrumental in spreading tuberculosis owing to their having been inhabited in the past by tuberculosis patients and also on account of seriously inadequate lighting and ventilation; and whether he will press forward the rebuilding of such houses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:I am advised that houses which have been inhabited by tuberculous persons can be freed from infectivity by proper cleansing and disinfection. In all cases of this class in Wales into which inquiry has been made by my Department it has been found that disinfection has been carried out as a routine procedure. As regards the last part of the Question, a special rate of subsidy is available in respect of houses erected in agricultural parishes, and any proposals submitted to me by the local authorities concerned for building new houses or in connection with the improvement or reconditioning of existing houses under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926, will be sympathetically considered.