§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Health how many houses have been erected under the various Housing Acts since 1919 in agricultural areas for the use of agricultural labourers; how many are tenanted by labourers, and what is the average rent paid per week; and will he give the districts where houses have been erected that are tenanted by agricultural labourers?
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§ Mr. N. CHAMBERLAINStatistics are not available which would enable me to give the exact information desired by the hon. Member. Since 1919 over 71,400 houses have been built in rural districts under the Housing Acts, and according to half-yearly returns furnished by local authorities it is estimated that a further 43,000 houses were completed in rural districts during the two years ended the 30th September last by private enterprise without State subsidy. I cannot say how many of these houses are tenanted by agricultural labourers or what are the weekly rents. I may, however, refer the lion. Member to a statement of rents proposed to be charged in certain rural districts which has been specially obtained, and is being included in the OFFICIAL REPORT, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes