§ 31. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Minister of Health if he will introduce legislation at an early date to deal with the question of adequate compensation for small shop-keepers dispossessed and losing goodwill in any slum clearance area?
Sir H. YOUNGNo, Sir. Section 41 of the Housing Act, 1930, confers on local authorities the power of paying allowances in the circumstances mentioned, and I understand this power to be generally used to meet any substantial case of hardship.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs no action at all being taken? Is any question of compensation to be left entirely to the local authorities?
Sir H. YOUNGThe present state of the law is that it is within the power of the local authority to make special grants for compensation in these circumstances, and as a matter of fact, as my hon. Friend is probably aware, wide use is made of those powers.
§ Sir JOSEPH NALLIs it not a fact that these powers are only optional, and that ill-disposed councils do not make proper use of them?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThose would be Tory councils.
§ 43. Major NATHANasked the Minister of Health whether, in response to his Circular 1331, dated 6th April, 1933, he has now received from the London County Council detailed particulars as to the unhealthy areas to be cleared or improved by the London County Council and the Metropolitan borough councils under the Housing Act, 1930, during the next five years?
Sir H. YOUNGThe detailed particulars of the areas to be dealt with by the London County Council and the Metropolitan borough councils are now in preparation but have not yet been received.
§ Major NATHANIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the activities of the London County Council are commensurate with the urgency of the problem?
Sir H. YOUNGI am certainly satisfied that the matter is receiving the serious and adequate consideration of the County Council.