HC Deb 06 May 1937 vol 323 cc1232-4
40 and 41. Mr. R. Acland

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is aware that, as a result of the proposed area-clearance scheme at Newlyn, Cornwall, many of the present occupier-owners, who are mostly fishermen, will be ruined, as they will be required to pay rent for the accommodation provided and will receive no compensation for their old homes; and what proposals he is prepared to make to deal with this urgent question in the interests of the people affected;

(2) whether he has seen the proposal for the rehousing of the fishermen who will be displaced by the proposed area-clearance scheme at Newlyn, Cornwall; whether he is satisfied that the new accommodation is suitable for fishermen in particular; whether they will contain lofts for fishing gear or other means for the regular drying of fishermen's clothes; and whether the new accommodation to be provided is suitably situated, having regard to the occupation to be followed by the occupiers?

38 and 39. Sir Francis Acland

asked the Minister of Health (1) whether he is considering the effect of the proposed area-clearance scheme at Newlyn, Cornwall, on the fishing industry; and what he proposes to do in order to safeguard the interests of the fishermen it is proposed to displace;

(2) whether he has investigated the particulars of the area-clearance scheme proposed at Newlyn, Cornwall; whether all the houses to be destroyed are occupied by fishermen, who are owner-occupiers; whether they are to receive any compensation; and whether he is satisfied that all the houses should be condemned?

Sir K. Wood

Resolutions declaring eight areas to be clearance areas have been passed by the town council and compulsory purchase orders for the acquisition of the properties in the areas, together with a number of adjoining properties, have been made by the council and submitted to me for confirmation. As objections have been made to the orders, I shall arrange for a public local inquiry to be held in due course by an inspector of my Department, at which any persons interested will have an opportunity of appearing and giving evidence not only in relation to the existing houses but also with regard to alternative accommodation. The inspector will, after the close of the inquiry make a detailed examination of all the properties in the orders. I shall, of course, carefully consider all the evidence placed before me before reaching any decisions.

Mr. Acland

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him whether, in this inquiry, the matter will be considered not only from the point of view of public health, but also from that of the prosperity of the fishing industry?

Sir K. Wood

I am sure that every confidence can be placed in my inspectors who have great experience, and who will take into account all appropriate circumstances.

Mr. Thurtle

On a point of Order. May I ask, Mr. Speaker, for your guidance on this point? Is the growing practice of using the question hour for the purpose of thanking Ministers, in order?

Mr. Speaker

I should be loath to rule out of order expressions of thanks which are only a form of good manners, but perhaps, in the interest of saving time, it would be better to take those expressions of thanks for granted.