asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning if he will make a statement with regard to the building of houses to meet the needs of the agricultural population, showing the procedure to be followed where new houses are essential for the proper working of a farm or smallholding; what grants are available; and what priority is given in urgent cases.

Agricultural housing needs are mainly met by local authorities as part of their programmes. I am sending my hon. Friend a circular explaining the conditions for the payment of grant to private persons who build houses to let to agricultural workers; priority as between individual applications is a matter for the local authority.