§ 19. Mr. WILMOTasked the Minister of Health the number of separate housing authorities in England and Wales and how many of them have submitted schemes for slum clearance?
Sir H. YOUNGThe number of authorities is 1,717, of whom 1,512 have made returns. The remaining 205 have informed me why they have not yet submitted returns. These cases, as well as nil returns and the programmes the adequacy of which is in doubt, are under consideration.
§ Mr. WILMOTWhile thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask if he will consider taking steps to get some better progress in this matter, so that these houses can be built while materials are cheap and while unemployment in the building trade is so very heavy?
Sir H. YOUNGPerhaps the hon. Member will be aware that all possible steps for that purpose are being taken from time to time.
§ Mr. HERBERT WILLIAMSHow many authorities have actually cleared areas since my right hon. Friend started his scheme?
§ 26. Mr. DORANasked the Minister of Health whether the Hastings Corporation have yet submitted a scheme for the clearance of slums at Hastings; and, if so, will he give details of the scheme?
Sir H. YOUNGI have received a programme from the corporation providing for the demolition of 192 houses.
§ 29. Mr. McCORQUODALEasked the Minister of Health whether, as a result of the consideration required of him by Section 28 of the Housing Act, 1930, he contemplates making any alteration of the contributions payable by him towards the re-housing of persons displaced from slums; and, if so, what alteration he proposes and for what period it will operate?