§ 52. Sir J. Nallasked the Minister of Health what progress is being made in the housing redevelopment of clearance sites in the Hulme division of Manchester; and whether it is intended that proposed housing schemes should be completed on any part of these sites before further demolitions are authorised in the vicinity?
§ Mr. ElliotI have recently approved the erection by the Manchester Corporation of 240 flats on land purchased by them in the Hulme clearance area and I have before me clearance orders and compulsory purchase orders in respect of the St. George's clearance area in the Hulme Division. I understand that the corporation contemplate that action in the two areas shall be concurrent, the Hulme flats providing accommodation for some of the persons to be displaced from the St. George's area, the others being eventually housed in 576 flats to be erected on sites in and adjoining the St. George's area.
§ Sir J. NallMay I ask my right hon. Friend whether he appreciates that it was announced locally that these flats would be proceeded with before slum clearance began, and has any confirmation of that been made by the corporation to his Department?
§ Mr. ElliotI should have to make inquiries into that point.
§ Mr. FlemingIs the Minister aware that in cases where sites have been cleared in Manchester and no provision for rehousing has been made neighbouring houses have become overcrowded through the occupants taking lodgers.
§ Mr. ElliotIt is obviously desirable that the rehousing should be dealt with as quickly as possible.