§ Sir A. Baillieasked the Minister of Health how many of the new occupied agricultural cottages have been let at economic rents; and whether he will take steps to ensure that all such rents are fixed to avoid subsidies, which bear heavily on the poorer ratepayers.
§ Mr. WillinkAs subsidies are payable on all these cottages under the Housing Act, 1938, none is being let at economic rents. The normal contribution from the district rates is small—£1 per house per annum. If the cost of building in any particular case is exceptionally high and would entail an undue burden on the rates, I should be prepared to entertain an application for a supplementary contribution from the Exchequer.