26. Mr. ERSKINEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. N. Lithman, who purchased 39 small houses in Berner Street and Ellen Street, E.1, in 1919, for the sum of£5,500, and who has now been offered£100 as an act of grace by the London County Council for the property; whether he is aware that an independent valuation was recently made which set it down at£6,360, and, this being so, will he take steps to see that fair compensation be paid to Mr. Lithman; and is he aware that Messrs. Mann and Cross-man own property adjoining this site and that they have been offered compensation in full?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy attention has been called to the case mentioned. I understand from a statement made by the owner that an independent valuation has been obtained and I am informed that the case has been referred to arbitration and is shortly due for hearing before the official arbitrator. The com- 206 pensation to be paid in respect of property included in an improvement scheme on account of the sanitary condition of the premises or of those premises being dangerous or injurious to health is governed by the provisions of Sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 46 of the Housing Act, 1925, which re-enacts Section 9 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1919, and I have no power to override those provisions. As regards the last part of the question the adjoining property referred to is included in the scheme for the purpose of making the scheme efficient and the compensation in such cases is governed by Sub-section (3) of section 46 which is on an entirely different basis.
Mr. ERSKINEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that if the provisions of the Act are unfair, something should be done to remedy them?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have on many occasions said that as soon as opportunity offers I shall introduce legislation to amend it.
§ Mr. RADFORDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this case is not in any way exceptional, and that cases are of daily occurrence all over the country; and that if amending legislation were brought in during the present Session there would be no opposition from any party?