§ 60 and 61. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Minister of Health (1) whether, in order to allay the anxiety caused by the recent inquiries into the adequacy of the slum clearance schemes of Bootle, Croydon, Durham City, Leicester, Lewes, Maid-stone, Margate, Widnes, Whitby, Willes-den, and Worthing, he will cause to be published as a White Paper all the speeches made and evidence taken at the inquiries together with the terms of the inspectors' reports; and
(2) what were the results of the recent inquiries held in Bootle, Croydon, Dunham City, Leicester, Lewes, Maid-stone, Margate, Widnes, Whitby, Willes-den, and Worthing into the adequacy of the slum clearance schemes; whether the results have been communicated to the local authorities in question; and, if so, what were the terms of his communications?
Sir H. YOUNGThe inquiries to which my hon. Friend refers have served the purpose with which they were held of accelerating action by providing me with fuller information than could be obtained by correspondence or otherwise of the actual position in the towns. I have communicated my conclusions to the local authorities concerned. It would not be in accordance with the recognised practice that I should publish correspondence of this kind with a local authority. I am prepared to send copies of any such correspondence in which he is interested to my hon. Friend, or to any other Member interested.
§ Mr. ROBINSONIs it not a fact that the authorities communicated with did not constitute a black list, but that rather it was an attempt by the Minister to ascertain whether his policy was being successful; and, if that be so, is it not necessary to publish the results of the inquiry so that the House and the country may judge whether the policy has been successful?
Sir H. YOUNGNeither of those descriptions of the process would be justified. It was a step in the ordinary administrative process in order to obtain 198 as speedy action as possible, and in the most effective manner.
§ Sir AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN (by Private Notice)asked the Minister of Health whether he can now give the House particulars of the programmes of slum clearance submitted by housing authorities?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, Sir. I will give the information to which my right hon. Friend refers in a White Paper giving particulars of the programmes. It will be available to hon. Members this evening.
§ Mr. TINKEROn a point of Order. Is it necessary for a question like that to be put by private notice? Ought it not to appear upon the Order Paper?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is not yet a quarter to four and hon. Members may always ask questions by private notice before a quarter to four after the questions on the paper have been disposed of.