§ 24. Mr. BUXTONasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of his recent statement that progress should shortly be made with the improvement of slum conditions, he will state what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Major COPE (for The MINISTER of HEALTH)98 schemes for the clearance of slum areas in various parts of the country have so far been confirmed, and my right hon. Friend anticipates that in view of the progress which is being made generally with house building, local authorities will shortly be able to turn their attention in a greater degree to this aspect of the housing problem. As the right hon. Member is no doubt aware, local authorities already have very wide powers, and provision is made in the Housing Act of 1923 for the grant of Exchequer financial assistance to local authorities who carry out improvement schemes which are approved by my right hon. Friend, including the provision of rehousing accommodation. The question of further legislation to facilitate and extend the power of dealing with slum conditions is at present engaging his attention.
§ Mr. BUXTONWill the Minister make it known that he intends to use his powers of compulsion in cases where the local authorities are not doing their duty?
§ Major COPEI will convey that suggestion to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. TAYLORIn how many of these 98 schemes has demolition actually taken place?
§ Major COPEI cannot give that figure.
§ Mr. HARRISIn considering schemes for legislation such as have been referred to, is the Minister considering the advisability of changing our rating system so as to deal with the question of the rating of unimproved values?