§ Mr. J. DAVISONasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has received any resolution of protest regarding the insanitary state of cottages erected in connection with certain small holdings in the neighbourhood of Barnham, Sussex; whether he is aware that at several parish meetings resolutions of protest have been carried, and that the rural sanitary authority has described the cottages as insanitary and such as to constitute a nuisance; and whether he proposes to institute an inquiry into the matter?
§ Sir R. SANDERSIn October, 1922, the West Sussex County Council stated that the drainage of one cottage at Barnham had been condemned by the local sanitary authority, and that in view of the high level of surface water on the Barnham and Choller estate, it was probable that further complaints would be received. An inquiry was immediately made by the Ministry's chief architect, in consultation with representatives of the council, and as the result definite proposals by the council for dealing with the matter were approved in January last and these are practically completed. The Ministry realises that the impervious clay1410W subsoil of this estate has occasioned certain difficulties in dealing with cottage drainage and understands that the local sanitary authority has made complaints to the council. No communication on the subject has, however, been received since January last from the county council or from any local sanitary authority, but the Ministry is informed that the works which have recently been carried out have been to the satisfaction of the County Medical Officer of Health. In these circumstances no inquiry by the Ministry appears to be called for.