28. 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:
Ninety-three schemes relating to 71 local authorities have been confirmed since 1919. On 1st January last tenders had been approved or loans sanctioned in respect of 74 schemes for the erections 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 72 schemes the areas had been wholly or partially acquired, and clearance was in progress in the case of 56 schemes.
Mr. THOMSONIn view of the small progress that is made with slum clearances, is the right hon. Gentleman contemplating any further steps in order to effect slum clearances?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINEverything is relative, and compared with what has been going on in previous years, I do not think the progress can be called small.