HC Deb 09 June 1953 vol 516 cc3-4
3. Mr. Gower

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he will take to encourage local authorities to provide sites for new houses by demolition of old properties; and what steps he will take to compensate such authorities for the extra expenditure so incurred.

Mr. H. Macmillan

As my hon. Friend will be aware, local authorities have powers of clearance under the Housing Acts. As to encouraging them to use those powers, I would refer him to the reply given to the hon. Member for Clapham (Mr. Gibson) on 28th April.

Mr. Gower

Does the Minister agree that many local authorities appreciate the desirability of this course, but they are somewhat held back by the question of extra expense?

Mr. Macmillan

I hope to be able to produce some plan with regard to this problem at a later date.

9. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has now been able to formulate plans for the resumption of a slum clearance campaign; and whether he will convene a conference of local authorities to discuss the whole matter.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I cannot yet add anything to the reply given on 28th April to the hon. Member for Clapham (Mr. Gibson).