§ 32. Mr. BOULTONasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the growing anxiety of owners of working-class property owing to the indiscriminate methods being adopted in some cases for the demolition of houses that, in the opinion of experts, are capable of reconditioning; and, owing to the hardships that are being occasioned by such methods, will he now consider giving local authorities more definite guidance as to their responsibilities to owners and the necessity for more generous consideration of payment of compensation?
Sir H. YOUNGThe demolition of houses undertaken under demolition orders or slum clearance schemes is not in fact indiscriminate. The owner of any house on which a demolition order is made has an appeal against the order to a Judge of the County Court, and the owner of property in a clearance area has the right to lodge an objection and to appear at a public inquiry before an inspector who is a professional man and gives careful consideration to any representations, including suggestions for reconditioning, which are made before him. The conditions of compensation are laid down by Statute in the Housing Act, 1930, and the circular letters already issued to local authorities give the necessary information as to their application.
§ Mr. BOULTONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these owners are working-class people who have invested their life savings in purchasing these properties, and does he not think that by giving them further guidance as to a stricter observance of the regulations and responsibilities with regard to compensation, he would assist the smoother working of slum clearance?
Sir H. YOUNGThe matter to which my hon. Friend refers is always present 498 to my mind when an opportunity for guidance is available.
§ Mr. BOULTONWill the Minister be prepared to investigate any cases I may place before him showing hardship, and act accordingly?
Sir H. YOUNGMost certainly. I shall be grateful if the hon. Member will give me any cases he has in mind.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODMay I ask whether there are cases of refusal to carry out the work on account of their inability under the Acts to find adequate compensation, particularly in rural districts?
§ Mr. MARTINIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the inquiry by the Ministry of Health gives every opportunity to the owner to put forward his case?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, undoubtedly. It gives the fullest opportunity in the most practical form, as it enables small owners to make their case known to one who is able to understand it.