asked the Minister of Health why the scheme of the Epsom Rural District Council to erect 20 houses at Banstead and 20 at Burgh Heath was disapproved by his Ministry, seeing that even this scheme will only partially meet the crying need for houses, that many families are living in cottages condemned as unfit for habitation, and that at least 72 cottages are inhabited by two or more families.

The tender prices obtained by the District Council were so high, having regard to the accommodation to be provided in the houses, that I did not feel justified in sanctioning the Council's proposal. The hon. Member will appreciate that it is vital to the success of- the housing scheme that prices should be kept at a reasonable level. If snore favourable prices can be obtained by the Council, I shall, of course, be very glad to consider them.