asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with reconditioning farm workers' cottages since the passing of the 1949 Housing Act.

Sufficient time has not yet elapsed since the passing of the Housing Act, 1949, for any indication to be given.

Is the Minister aware of the sore need for reconditioning and for additional cottages in rural areas, and will he press forward the machinery whereby the provisions of this Act can be made available?

The housing force in the rural areas is now fully engaged, and as a circular on this matter was only sent out on 15th September, sufficient time has not yet elapsed to find out how it is working.

Could the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how far the recently announced cuts in the capita] housing programme will affect this reconditioning of rural cottages?

It will not, because it has obviously not had time to operate yet.