To ask the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the need that exists for houses for the workers in the rural districts, notwithstanding the number of houses erected under the Labourers Acts, and will he take steps to have the housing powers at present vested in Borough and Urban Councils under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts extended to the rural areas also.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. - HOUSES FOR WORKERS.
SEAMUS EABHROID
MINISTER for LOCAL GOVERNMENT (Mr. E. Blythe)
The question of rural housing generally is receiving careful consideration, and there will be ample facilities later for amending existing legislation as may be necessary. Hitherto the cottages have been built in rural areas under the special provisions of the Labourers Acts. If it is represented that any further provisions of the Housing of the Working Classes Acts should be made applicable to rural areas, the matter will be carefully considered. Some of the urban enactments have already been applied—for instance, Part 2 of the Act of 1890 relating to unhealthy dwelling-houses.