§ 56. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONEasked the Minister of Health what the average time has been during the last three years between local authorities passing resolutions in favour of clearance orders and the delivery by the Minister to the local authority of the sealed order approved by the Minister?
Sir H. YOUNGThe records of my Department are not kept in a form which enable this question to be precisely answered, but the confirmation of a clearance order would, in the absence of special difficulties, ordinarily occupy a period of between four and six months?
§ Mr. JOHNSTONEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of the last clearance order obtained by the South Shields Council eight months 546 elapsed from the submission of the final Plans to the Minister, and a further four months between the inquiry and the arrival of the sealed order at the municipality's offices?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir; I do not think that is an accurate account of the transaction in that particular case.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries, as my information is based upon an official letter from the municipality concerned?
Sir H. YOUNGIf the hon. Member has any particular facts which he would like to bring to my attention in connection with this particular application, I will certainly give them my careful consideration.
§ Sir P. HARRISWill the right hon. Gentleman endeavour to simplify the procedure?
Sir H. YOUNGThe simplification of machinery and the expedition of procedure is a matter which is always occupying attention.