§ 31. Mr. DENMANasked the Minister of Health to what extent local authorities in general are carrying out the five-year plans of slum clearance and re-housing submitted to him under the Housing Act, 1930; how many areas are at present in process of being cleared; and how many dwellings are being built for rehousing the persons displaced?
Sir H. YOUNGI have received resolutions declaring 541 areas in England and Wales, the clearance of which involves the displacement and rehousing of approximately 78,150 persons, to be clearance areas under the Housing Act, 1930. Information as to the number of areas at present in process of being cleared is not available, but 229 clearance or compulsory purchase orders have been confirmed in connection with such areas. Upwards of 16,000 houses, which are either earmarked or available for the purposes of the Act, have either been erected or are under construction.
§ Mr. DENMANDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think the time has come for speeding up the process of slum clearance and re-housing?
Sir H. YOUNGI can assure the hon. Member that there will be no relaxation of effort. At the same time I would point out that, allowing for the necessary difficulties of starting this work, the progress cannot be looked upon as unsatisfactory.
§ Sir PERCY HARRISCan we be assured that the Ministry of Health are not holding up any of these schemes on the ground of economy?
§ Mr. PIKEWill the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that applicants 1960 for houses under slum clearance will.not be tied down to a definite salary?