70. DAVID ADAMSasked the Minister of Health what steps local authorities may, with the approval of his Department, take to require not only the demolition of insanitary buildings, but also the clearance of a site which has been the subject of a clearance order under Section 2 of the Housing Act, 1930?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Housing Act, 1930, does not contain any provision to enable local authorities to require the clearance of a site which has been the subject of a clearance order. Local authorities have power themselves to demolish the buildings on default of the owner and may proceed under the Public Health Acts where the condition of an uncleared site of demolished buildings amounts to a nuisance.
Mr. ADAMSDoes not the Minister consider it desirable that local authorities should have powers to clear such sites when they are manifestly objectionable from the aesthetic point of view?
§ Sir K. WOODI understand this matter was considered when the last Housing Act was before the House, and it was left to the free vote of the House, and the decision which I have stated was taken.