asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that many skilled craftsmen in stone are unemployed by reason of the fact that houses being built under the Housing (Financial and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1932, are being built in concrete instead of either stone or brick, and, if so, if he will consider the desirability of taking such steps as will encourage a reversion to building in stone or brick.

I am aware that the employment of skilled craftsmen in stone or brick is diminishing owing to the general use of the cheaper form of building construction, viz., concrete. I am prepared, however, to approve of the use of stone or brick in housing schemes where it is shown that the additional cost involved is not unreasonable.