§ 69. Mr. THOMAS LEWISasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that slum clearance and improvement schemes are being held up by local authorities in view of the expected early introduction of new legislation dealing with the subject; and whether he will state when such legislation is likely to be introduced?
§ Mr. GREENWOODAs regards the first part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a previous question on the 23rd January last, of which I am sending him a copy. As regards the second part I am not yet in a position to indicate the exact date upon which the contemplated legislation will be introduced.
§ Mr. LEWISIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department expressed surprise to representatives from the Southampton Borough Council that they should be submitting slum clearance schemes, having regard to the fact that legislation was being proposed, and that, in consequence, the council have adjourned the consideration of these slum clearance schemes for a matter of six months?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWould it not be possible to introduce a Bill almost at once for the information of local authorities?
§ 88. Mr. McKINLAYasked the Minister of Health the number of working-class dwellings in England and Wales which have been acquired for demolition under slum clearance schemes between 1st April, 1925, and 31st December, 1929, and the number of new dwellings erected in connection with such schemes?
§ Mr. GREENWOODInformation as to the number of working-class dwellings acquired is not available. The number of buildings which would include some buildings other than houses, acquired by local authorities in England and Wales between 1st April, 1925, and 31st December, 1929, in connection with approved slum clearance schemes was approximately 10,000, and the number demolished 2411 approximately 8,000. The number of new-dwellings erected during the same period in connection with such schemes was nearly 9,000.
§ Mr. GREENWOODI will send the information to the Noble Lady.