HC Deb 11 February 1958 vol 582 cc188-9
35. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what considerations he normally takes into account in deciding whether or not to confirm a compulsory purchase order for housing purposes.

Mr. H. Brooke

The local authority must satisfy me that it needs the land in order to meet its obligations as a housing authority, that the land ought to be used for housing or, at any rate, that there is no objection to so doing, and that the case for public acquisition is strong enough to outweigh any objections that may be lodged by owners and others affected.

Mr. Robinson

Can the Minister say why he refused permission for a St. Pancras Borough Council rehousing scheme on the ground that there was no provision made for the private lock-up garages which at present occupy the site? Is this not a perfectly frivolous decision, and are we coming to the situation when shelter for motor cars is more important than shelter for human beings?

Mr. Brooke

The main reason for rejecting this order was the refusal of the St. Pancras Borough Council to provide alternative garage accommodation, for which there is a very great need in this area and for which it would have been perfectly possible to provide had the council so wished.