asked the Minister of Health if the operation of the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1931, is to be suspended or restricted as part of the Government's economy policy; and, if so, what steps will be taken to meet the need for more and cheaper houses in rural areas?

asked the Minister of Health whether it is the intention of the Government to carry out the housing programme of building 40,000 agricultural cottages during 1931–32, as provided for under the Rural Workers Act, 1931?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

There is no intention of repealing the Housing (Rural Authorities) Act, 1931, to which I assume the questions of the hon. Members to refer. Applications from rural district councils under this Act are still coming in, and, in accordance with Sub-section (3) of Section 1, all such applications will be eligible for consideration provided that they are made before the 30th November next. In accordance with the Act, applications will be first considered by the committee appointed by my predecessor, of which my right hon. Friend the Paymaster-General is chairman.

Are we to understand that the Government intend to proceed with the carrying on of this work?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

Yes, Sir.

Thank you.

Will the Minister convey to the chairman of the Advisory Committee under the Act the necessity for carrying out the maximum scheme of 100,000 houses suggested by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Greenwood)?

asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of houses that have been built by each rural district council in Northamptonshire since 1921, and the number of houses re- conditioned in each rural district area, under the Housing (Rural Workers) Act, 1926?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN:

I am sending the hon. Member such information as is available.