HC Deb 06 March 1951 vol 485 c232
44. Mr. Braine

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what action he proposes to take in view of the statement in the first annual report of the Basildon Development Corporation that the effect of enactments governing compensation for houses with vacant possession will cause genuine hardship in certain cases.

The Minister of Local Government and Planning (Mr. Dalton)

No such questions can arise in respect of the Corporation's present building programme, which will consist either of in-filling or of building on undeveloped land

Mr. Braine

Is that not a contradiction of the Corporation's own report? Is the Minister not aware that I first brought this matter to his attention some 10 months ago, and is the House to assume from his reply that he pays no attention to the reports of bodies for which he himself is responsible, and is indifferent to hardships which their operations may cause?

Mr. Dalton

No hardships are caused except to the people who are kept wailing for houses, and who will be housed when the Corporation build more houses.