48. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view 2120 of the inadequacy of the present annual grant appropriated to slum clearances in England and Wales, he will increase the same during the forthcoming year by 50 per cent., as he has promised to do in the case of Scotland?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThe provision for grants towards the deficit on schemes of slum clearances asked for in 1924–25 is the full amount estimated to be required in respect of all schemes on which deficits are likely to be incurred during the year. No object would be served by increasing the proposed provision by 50 per cent.
§ Mr. PERCY HARRISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present rate of grant, it will take 100 years to clear up the slums?
§ Lord E. PERCYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that for some time past there has been no limitation of the annual grants for slum clearance?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYHon. Members seem to be labouring under some misapprehension. The sum referred to here insufficient to meet the demands on the fund. If it is desired that slums should be cleared more quickly, it is the demand that must be increased. In the meantime, no object will be served by increasing the fund.