§ 20. Mr. Fernyhoughasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs ifhe will take steps to deal with objectors to clearance orders who, having forced a public inquiry, then fail to attend.
§ Mr. CorfieldMy right hon. Friend does not think any action is needed. Few public local inquiries are made abortive by failure o: objectors to attend.
§ Mr. FernyhoughIs the hon. Gentleman aware that that "few" is a few too many? Does he realise that, apart from the cost and the inconvenience which this means, property which could be pulled down more quickly is left standing and is tenanted and the slum owners are drawing rents for longer periods than they would otherwise? Will the hon. Gentleman bear that in mind?
§ Mr. CorfieldI will certainly bear that in mind, but from the information I have this is a rare occurrence and I am sure that the House as a whole would not wish to apply any drastic sanctions against this class of people who very often are involved in the loss of their 55 homes. I do not think that this is justified unless this evil is much more widespread than I believe it is.