On Tuesday Mr. Chamberlain moved the second reading of the
Housing (Rural Workers) Bill which is designed to authorize 'between this --year and 1931 grants and loans from County and County' Borough Councils of sums above E50. that are proved to be needed for the repair and improvement of rural cottages worth less than £400 apiece. There is need of an enormous aggregate capital sum to be-spent on improving or even keeping up against dilapidations the cottages of rural labourers, and we hope that the Bill may prove useful. It has presumably been worked out that money can be thus provided on more advantageous terms than can be given by the banks or fioni such sources as the Lands Improvement Society. If so, the ratepayer or taxpayer will doubtless make his contribution. The money to be advanced • will be obtained by the local authority from the Public Works Loan -Commissioners. Rents are not to be raised by more than 3 per cent. on the money advanced. * *
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