HC Deb 24 February 1938 vol 332 cc542-3
63. Mr. Craven-Ellis

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the injustice arising out of the method of assessing compensation for slum clearance under the Housing Act, 1936, to thrifty people who years ago acquired with their small savings a few houses, he proposes to amend the compensation clauses?

The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)

As my hon. Friend will be aware. Parliament has on several occasions affirmed the principle that the proper basis of compensation for houses found unfit for human habitation is site value and this decision was again endorsed after full discussion during the passage of the Housing Bill of 1935. Certain amendments of the law were then made with a view to mitigating hardship and in the circumstances, as at present advised, I do not contemplate further amendment of the law in this respect.

Mr. Craven-Ellis

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.