§ 7. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, whereas under Part III of the Housing Act, 1936, local authorities have powers conferred upon them by Section 44 to make reasonable allowances to displaced shopkeepers, many local authorities are now developing housing schemes under Part V of the Housing Act, 1936, to which Section 44 does not apply; and, in view of the hardship created for the shopkeepers in these circumstances, if he will sanction reasonable payments in cases of this kind, subject to the submission of the facts in each case.
§ Mr. BevanThe powers conferred by Section 44 of the Housing Act, 1936, to which the hon. Member refers, were designed to meet cases of special hardship which might arise in clearance areas. Where, however, land, including the buildings on it, is purchased under Part V of that Act, compensation is payable to any person having an interest in it on the normal basis.
§ Mr. PiratinIs it not a fact that as a result of the housing schemes now going forward, shopkeepers and similar trades-people who might have benefited under Part III of the 1936 Act do not now benefit, and as most schemes which local authorities now put up are under Part V and not Part III, many of these people are suffering hardship? Will not the Minister reconsider his attitude?
§ Mr. BevanI think the hon. Member is a little confused about the matter. If he will have a talk with me afterwards, I will see if we cannot arrive at mutual clarity.