71. Mr. Rathboneasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that under the Housing Act, 1936, a demolition order once confirmed cannot be revoked even if the building is required as an agricultural storehouse; and whether he will introduce a Bill amending the Housing Act, 1936, to empower him at his discretion to revoke a demolition order made under that Act if, after confirmation of the order, the building concerned is required for purposes other than human habitation?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular which I sent to local authorities in January last following consideration of the subject by the Central Housing Advisory Committee. The Committee whilst suggesting changes in the administrative procedure did not recommend any alteration in the law in view of the necessity for finality.
Mr. RathboneDoes this answer mean that the right hon. Gentleman has in his Department some specific reason against this suggestion, or is it simply the case that the matter was never considered?
§ Mr. ElliotIt has been very carefully considered, but I think my hon. Friend will realise that it is necessary that a termination should come to this long consideration.