asked the Minister of Health how many permanent and temporary houses have been let to agricultural workers in England, Wales and Scotland.

asked the Minister of Health how many applications have been made up to 31st October by local authorities for the higher rate of subsidy in respect of the number of new houses allocated to the agricultural population.

The total number of new permanent houses let to agricultural workers in England and Wales since 1st April, 1945, is 3,075. The number of temporary houses so let is 610. Claims for the higher subsidies have been received in respect of 1,054 of the permanent houses. As regards Scotland I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Secretary of State.

Will the Minister state, if he can, how many houses, both temporary and permanent, will be let during the next 12 months? What does he anticipate?

I cannot anticipate the actions of the rural authorities who are responsible for making the tenancies.

Surely, the Minister must go into this matter with the rural authorities and have some guidance, or knowledge, of what is going on?

The hon. and gallant Member should know that guidance has already been given to rural authorities in the selection of tenants. If the hon. and gallant Member does not know about that guidance, I will send him a copy.