asked the Minister of Health the rate of interest local authorities will have to pay on capital borrowed from the Exchequer for housing purposes; and the extent of the subsidy to be paid by the Government, in view of the fact that some new permanent houses are already completed and others arc nearing that stage.

The rate of interest on housing loans for the normal period of 60 years is at present 3⅛per cent. The question of the appropriate subsidy is under discussion with representatives of the local authorities and a decision as to the proposals to be laid before Parliament will, I hope be reached at an early date.