§ 11. Mr. Willisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what new proposals he has for assisting local authorities in Scotland to speed up their slum clearance programmes.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith)A guide to the various statutory procedures for slum clearance has been prepared for the assistance of local authorities and will be issued shortly. Without infringing the various rights of objection and appeal that have been established by Parliament, it is difficult to see how the procedures themselves can be expedited, but this is being studied.
§ Mr. WillisIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that we want something more than guides and that what local authorities 1123 really need is more financial provision, particularly in view of the increasing interest rates, especially during the last few days?
§ Mr. GalbraithI think that the recent circular should assist local authorities in speeding up slum clearance.