60. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSONasked the Minister of Health how many towns have begun any slum clearances under the Housing Act of 1919 and subsequent Acts?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe position in regard to the clearance of slum areas in England and Wales is as follows: 83 schemes relating to 66 local authorities have been confirmed since 1919. On the 1st January last tenders had been approved, or loans sanctioned, in respect of 48 schemes for the erection of new houses in order to provide accommodation for the displaced population and to enable clearances of the areas to be commenced. In the case of 54 schemes the areas had been wholly or partially acquired, and clearance was in progress in the case of 34 schemes.
Mr. THOMSONIn view of the small amount of slum clearance that is going on, have the Government any proposals to make to local authorities to encourage them to get on with the work?