§ 17. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONEasked the Minister of Health whether the plans for slum clearance, as outlined in the White Paper, are based upon the money rates of to-day and the present costs of building materials; and whether, in the event of these rates and costs rising, the slum-clearance work will be continued; and in what proportion will the extra cost be borne by the Treasury and the local authorities?
Sir H. YOUNGI trust that the contingencies which the hon. Member has in mind will not arise, but I should observe that no alteration has been made in the rates of Exchequer contribution towards slum clearance costs which were fixed in 1930 when building costs and rates of interest were higher than they are at present. The contribution therefore contains ample margin to cover any ordinary variation. It does not fall due for review until after 1st October, 1936.