23. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Minister of Health how many towns have begun any slum clearances under the Housing Act, 1919, and subsequent Acts?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Neville Chamberlain)The position in regard to the clearance of slum areas in England and Wales is as follows: 93 schemes relating to 71 local authorities have been confirmed since 1919. On 1st October last tenders had been approved or loans sanctioned in respect of 09 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 (38 schemes the areas had been wholly or partially acquired, and clearance was in progress in the case of 50 schemes.
Mr. THOMSONIn view of the slow progress of slum clearance, does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take any action to stimulate local authorities to further efforts?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not admit that progress is slow, compared with the progress which has taken place in the last 20 years.