asked the Minister of Health what is the present position with regard to the importation of prefabricated houses from America and timber houses from Sweden, to relieve the housing shortage in this country.

The import of prefabricated houses from America ceased with the ending of Lease-Lend arrangements, at which time about 8,000 houses had been shipped. These are now being distributed for erection. Orders have been placed in Sweden for 5,000 timber houses. Delivery of these has now commenced and should be completed within the next four months.