HC Deb 12 May 1938 vol 335 cc1713-4
74. Mr. Joel

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the anxiety of members of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England that the time allowed between the closing order in connection with slum-clearance work and the taking effect of the demolition order should be increased to three months to permit of more time for efforts to be made to ensure the preservation of picturesque and interesting old buildings; and what action he proposes to take?

Sir K. Wood

I have received a number of representations to the effect that further measures are desirable to ensure adequate exploration of the possibilities of reconditioning houses before demolition orders become operative. The question whether administrative improvements for this purpose are called for is now under consideration at my request by the Housing Advisory Committee.