asked the Minister of Health when he is going to announce the Government's provisional proposals for financial aid to local authorities for their post-war housing and other constructional schemes so that they may estimate approximately prospective financial liabilities?

Any such announcement would have to be preceded by consultations with the various bodies representing local authorities. Such consultations would be premature at the present time but I can assure my hon. Friend that my right hon. Friend is keeping in close touch with local authorities on all post-war problems.

asked the Minister of Health what is the aggregate amount of money hitherto advanced to local authorities in certain areas of which he has been informed to enable them to carry on their essential activities?

Up to 28th February last the aggregate amount advanced under the scheme for assisting local authorities to maintain essential services was £16,513,420.