§ 53. Mr. SMITHERSasked the Minister of Health if it is the policy of the Government drastically to deal with the slum problem; what new schemes, if any, have been initiated by the Government since it took office; and what is the estimated cost of those schemes?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)As to the first part of the question, I would ask the hon. Member to await the proposals for legislation which I hope shortly to be in a position to submit. With regard to the 1616 last part, the Government do not initiate schemes of the kind. Six such schemes have been submitted by local authorities since the present Government took office, the total cost of which is estimated by those local authorities at approximately £511,000.
§ Mr. SMITHERSIs that all that the right hon. Gentleman can contribute towards fulfilling a definite election pledge?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe hon. Member had better wait until after the Recess.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has held up a large number of slum clearance schemes, and will he make a move as soon as possible?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIt is true that because of decisions in the past impediments have been put in the way of slum clearance schemes being carried into effect, but I hope to be able to deal with that at a very early date.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman be able to circulate an outline of his scheme well in advance of the time when it is likely to be discussed—before the millennium?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI can assure the hon. and gallant Member that it will be discussed long before the millennium, and that he should have very good time to consider the Bill.
§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYDoes not the Rents Restriction Act hold up a good many of these schemes?