7. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many compulsory purchase orders by local authorities of land for housing were opposed by local objectors in 1954 and 1955; and how many compulsory purchase orders, so opposed, were confirmed by the Minister.
§ Mr. PowellThere were objections during 1954 to 263 compulsory purchase orders made under Part V of the Housing Act, 1936; and during 1955 to 181. Out of these 444 orders, 353 were confirmed (many subject to modification), confirmation of 75 was refused, nine were withdrawn, and seven are still to be decided.
Mrs. ButlerIs the Minister aware that in many areas with a very long housing waiting list there is an acute shortage of building land? In view of this fact, and the great difficulty which local authorities have in obtaining land for housing, will the hon. Gentleman view these compulsory purchase orders sympathetically in future, and will he also consider whether there is any other way in which he can enable local authorities to acquire the land they must have if they are to carry out his express desire to continue council building?
§ Mr. PowellEach case is and must be considered on its merits, but I suggest that a ratio of five orders confirmed to one not confirmed does not show that local authorities are failing to get the land they require. The hon. Lady asked if there is any other method. There is, of course, the method of acquisition by agreement, which many local authorities pursue successfully.