§ 37. Mr. Dayasked the Minister of Health whether the Government intend to announce and lay proposals before the House in the near future of their further plans for slum clearance?
§ Sir K. WoodIf the hon. Member has in mind the question of Exchequer assistance, I would refer him to the answer which I gave on 23rd March to the hon. Member for North Cumberland (Mr. W. Roberts).
§ Mr. DayIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's previous promise to let the House know what the Government's proposals were, can he say when these will be made?
§ Sir K. WoodPerhaps the hon. Member will kindly study the reply.
41. Mr. V. Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether he will introduce a short Bill to secure to appellant owners of property scheduled for clearance a hearing by a judicial tribunal independent of the officers of the Ministry of Health?
§ Sir K. WoodThe issue involved in my hon. Friend's question was exhaustively discussed during the passage of the Housing Act, 1935, and I see no reason for reopening the question at the present time.
Mr. AdamsIs that any reason for failing to redress something which is obviously contrary to the principles of English justice?
§ Sir K. WoodThat was similarly discussed.
Mr. AdamsDoes the right hon. Gentleman not know that, although there was no free vote, there was a very large minority in favour of such a proposal among Members who normally support the Government?
§ Sir K. WoodI regret to hear that.
44. Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Minister of Health the names of all towns of 25,000 in population which have made any allowance to shopkeepers dispossessed in respect of slum-clearance operations?
§ Sir K. WoodAs the answer contains the names of a large number of local authorities, I will send my hon. Friend a list.
46. Mr. Duckworthasked the Minister of Health whether he has found a readiness on the part of local authorities to make payment in respect of well-maintained houses involved in slum-clearance schemes; and whether it has been necessary to issue any reminder to any of them who have never made any such awards at all?
§ Sir K. WoodThe awards to which my hon. Friend refers are made on my direction, and local authorities have no discretion in the matter. I have to date given such directions in respect of 2,951 houses involved in slum clearance schemes. If, however, my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will let me have particulars and I shall be glad to make inquiries.
§ Mr. MabaneHas the right hon. Gentleman received any requests for loans from local authorities?
§ Sir K. WoodI must have notice of that question.