§ 40. Mr. BOULTONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, in the case of four small houses in Sheffield valued at £400 for probate and upon which death duties had been paid, the owners have, within 18 months of paying such duty, been ordered to demolish the same property as valueless; and will he consider giving local authorities more definite guidance in connection with demolition orders, with a view to obviating hardships that are being experienced under these orders?
Sir H. YOUNGMy attention has not previously been called to this case. Demolition orders cannot have been made on the ground that the houses were valueless but because they were in the view of the local authority, and of the County Court if an appeal was made, unfit for human habitation and not capable at reasonable expense of being rendered fit.