§ 42. Mr. LANSBURYasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that a considerable number of families are living under unhealthy and insanitary conditions in the Borough of Poplar; that during the past 25 years the public health authority for that borough has made repeated applications and representations to the London County Council, urging that action should be taken to put an end to this condition of affairs; that the inspectors of the Ministry of Health have condemned certain areas as unhealthy, the latest date on which this was done being 10th December, 1924, and the areas thus condemned being Birchfield Street, Bromley, Dunbar Cottages, and Baker's Alley; and, in view of the failure of the London County Council to carry out its statutory duties, will he take such steps as are within his power to compel that authority to deal with those areas?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of insanitary conditions in the Borough of Poplar. The particular areas to which the hon. Member refers were included in an improvement scheme made by the London County Council which my 864 right hon. Friend confirmed. The County Council are taking steps to carry out the scheme and I understand that considerable progress has been made in regard to the acquisition of the property in these areas.
§ Mr. LANSBURYHow long will it be before the effort succeeds; and is it not the case that it is over 25 years since representations were first made?
§ Sir K. WOODThat may be so, but under the present administration much more expedition is to be expected.
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAWhat procedure is followed where an inspector condemns property and the local authority does not carry out the recommendation of the inspector?
§ Sir K. WOODThat question involves a very detailed reply, but if the hon. Member puts it down, I shall do my best to answer it.