asked the Minister of Health the number of dwelling-houses completed each month by local authorities and public utility societies since June, 1919, and for similar information regarding houses completed by persons receiving the subsidy since February, 1920?

I am sending my hon. Friend a statement giving the information asked for.

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the fee of £1,317 paid to the architect in connection with the Ashborne Urban District Council housing scheme; and whether this amount is, in fact, paid by the Government, as was stated at the last meeting of the housing committee, or whether the urban district council concerned is responsible for the said payment to the architect?

My attention has not previously been drawn to the payment in question. The scale of fees for architects employed on housing schemes, which will be recognised as ranking for financial assistance, is laid down in the memorandum issued by my Department. The responsibility for payment of fees rests with the local authority, and will be subject to review by the district auditor. In so far as payments are properly made such fees are chargeable to the Housing Assisted Scheme Account on which the Government Grant-in-aid of housing is based.

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Ebbw Vale Urban District Council have been compelled to abandon the erection of 1,000 houses owing to the shortage of labour and material; that the Ebbw Vale Company have come forward and offered to erect the 1,000 houses without profit, also constructing roads and laying sewers out of their private funds, if 1,000 workmen will undertake the purchase of such houses on the basis of repayment of principal and interest in 20 years; and will he, under those conditions, consider the advisability of increasing the subsidy from £260 to £400 to encourage the workmen to take up this scheme of the company?

A proposal for the erection of 1,000 houses by the Ebbw Vale Company has been discussed, but I understand that the company are not now prepared to consider the erection of more than 300 houses, and that they have not finally decided to adopt even this reduced scheme. I am unable to adopt the suggestion in regard to an increase in the amount of the Government subsidy.