§ 62. Mr. Markhamasked the Minister of Health whether he has now received further information from the Towcester Rural District Council on the subject of Clearance Area Order No. r at Yardley Gobion; and whether, in view of the fact that the owners of this property are members of this council, that the council has delayed putting into operation orders approved by the Ministry, and that some of these houses have bucket lavatories in the pantries, he will exercise the powers he possesses and take over the direction of housing improvement in this village?
§ Sir K. WoodI have been in communication with the council of the area referred to, and hope to be informed in the next few days of the result of the negotiations which have been taking place with the owners on the question of reconditioning the cottages. I will communicate further with my hon. Friend on receipt of this information.
§ Mr. MarkhamIs it not a fact that some of the council members are actual owners of slum property involved, and have been persistently thwarting any efforts to have this housing problem cleared up? Will the right hon. Gentleman consult legal officers to see whether in cases such as this there are grounds for a prosecution?
§ Sir K. WoodI observed in the hon. Member's question the statement that the owners of the property were members of the council, but I am informed that that is not the case.