§ 25. Mr. HARRISasked the Minister of Health what money has been allocated by the Treasury to assist slum clearance schemes; if there is any fixed figure provided for this purpose; and whether the £200,000 allocated as an annual grant to help slum clearance has in any one year been spent?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo fixed allocation is made for Exchequer contributions towards the expenses of slum clearance schemes, the actual expenditure each year being dependent on the progress of the schemes sanctioned. The requirement for the year 1927–28, for which provision is included under the general housing grants subhead of the Vote for the Ministry, is estimated at £65,000.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not a fact that in 1923 the Government allocated £200,000 for this purpose as an annual grant?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe £200,000 to which the hon. Member refers was the maximum expenditure that could be 557 devoted to this purpose. When the basis of the housing subsidy was altered in 1923, the limit was removed.
§ Mr. HARRISThen the limit has never been reached, and this year it is only £65,000?