§ 39. Sir J. NALLasked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to release for useful purposes the sites of vacant land in Manchester which the city council have been prevented from using owing to the high values placed upon the sites by the valuation department?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to the land acquired by the Manchester City Council under the City of Manchester (Medlock Street) Improvement Scheme, 1923. The question of the user of this site has been discussed between my officers and representatives of the city council, and after consultation with the valuation department the land has been placed in the hands of agents. In the event of a sale not being effected within, say, the next three months, the matter will be further considered.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIs this plot for the purpose of slum clearance, and does it mean that the slums are to remain?
§ Sir H. YOUNGNo such implication would be justified.
§ Sir J. NALLIs it not a fact that the site involved is one that was cleared under a slum clearance scheme but has not been used?
§ Sir H. YOUNGI think that my hon. Friend is accurate.
§ 40. Sir J. NALLasked the Minister of Health what decision he has reached regarding the Manchester City Council's proposal to demolish 1,100 houses in Hulme and disperse 4,000 inhabitants?
§ Sir H. YOUNGNo such proposals have yet been submitted to me by the city council. I understand that the council is awaiting a report on the general policy to be adopted in connection with slum clearance in Manchester and on the practicability of dealing with this area as an improvement area.
§ Mr. CRAVEN-ELLISHave the Government under consideration the proposal to guarantee building societies who are prepared to make abnormal advances to working-class tenants who will be displaced in this or any other slum clearance area to enable them to become owners of their new homes?
§ Sir H. YOUNGI do not think that that arises out of the question.