Mr. A. T. DAVIESasked the Minister of Health what is the number of houses now under construction, as compared with the same dates in May and April, under schemes sanctioned by the Ministry; and whether there is any increase in the employment of ex-service men in such building operations during that period?
§ Dr. ADDISONComplete figures are not yet available showing the number of houses under construction at the beginning of this month, but from returns received the number may be estimated at approximately 22,500. At the beginning of May the number of houses under construction by local authorities and public utility societies was 16,207, the total number of houses included in contracts on which work had been commenced being 51,000. At the beginning of April the number was 13,355, the total number of houses included in contracts in which work had256W commenced being 41,402. I have no information as to the number of ex-service men who are being employed on housing schemes.