§ 26. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister ofHousing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many applications from metropolitan borough councils for compulsory purchase orders are now under attention; and what average length of time elapses before he announces his decision on such applications.
§ Sir K. JosephSixty-four orders made by metropolitan borough councils are before me. Twelve were made under the Housing Act, 1957, on grounds of excessive rent. The average time from the end of the objection period to decision for orders of this kind is 13 weeks. The rest are of kinds—mainly slum clearance—for which the average time may be taken as 32 weeks.
§ Mr. LiptonA very long time, but in view of the fact that the new policy of publicly acquiring large areas announced last night is likely to involve bigger and better compulsory purchase orders, would the Minister take steps and give serious consideration to expediting the long-drawn-out procedures, especially in cases of slum properties, to which, I have no doubt, he attaches considerable importance? Will he also circularise local authorities to let them know what exactly his newly announced policy on public ownership really means?
§ Sir K. JosephThe hon. Gentleman really must be content with the Answer to the Question on theOrder Paper. I do not think the House would wish to speed up the process of slum clearance in any way to endanger the rights of all interests involved to be heard before decisions are made.