asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that in the village of Leybourne, near Maid- stone, there are three houses in habitable condition which have stood empty for two years, although there are houseless persons in the village who are ready and anxious to rent them; and whether he will consider the advisability of making in the forthcoming Housing Bill provision for meeting cases of this kind?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

As at present advised, I doubt whether it is practicable to deal effectively with cases of this kind by legislation, but I will give the matter further consideration.