§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Minister of Health for what reason the grants under the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, to private builders of houses in Ireland are restricted to houses built in municipal areas, having regard to the fact that, in many rural districts in Ireland, the need for houses is urgent; and whether he will take steps to place builders of houses in Ireland on the same footing in this respect with builders in Great Britain?
§ Mr. HENRYUnder the Housing (Additional Powers) Act, 1919, grants can only be given in respect of houses built in the areas of local authorities within the meaning of Part III. of the Housing of the Working Classes Act, 1890, which, in Ireland, applies only to urban districts and towns with town commissioners. As regards the last part of the question the Acts relating to labourers' cottages apply to rural districts and 48,000 cottages have already been provided under these Acts.