HC Deb 26 November 1963 vol 685 cc68-9
28. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs by what criterion a house is designated as a slum, the owner-occupier of which received only the site value as compensation, while the house next door retains its full value; who decides whether it is a slum; whether these officials are employed by the authority which pays the compensation; and if he will inquire into this method of scheduling slums, with a view to introducing amending legislation.

Mr. Corfield

The local housing authority decides in the first place whether a house is unfit for human habitation by reference to criteria set out in Section 4 of the Housing Act, 1957. Compensation is paid by the same authority if it purchases the house. Compulsory purchase requires my right hon. Friend's confirmation of an order. If an owner objects to an order, one of my right hon. Friend's inspectors holds a local inquiry and inspects the property before he makes a decision on it. The price to be paid on compulsory purchase is subject to appeal to the Lands Tribunal. This procedure is, in his view, satisfactory.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this problem is causing great indignation in all the cities where slum clearance is taking place? Take the case of two owner-occupiers who, having lived in their houses for many years, get notice to quit. One receives full compensation because of the state of the house. The other one next door whose house is not quite so good receives only the site value. Both of them are thrown out of their homes and both have to look for houses in areas where rents are very high. I ask the Minister to look at this matter, because the person who determines the compensation is the person employed by the people who pay that compensation.

Mr. Corfield

With due respect to the hon. Member, that is not correct. A decision is made as to whether the house is fit or unfit. Depending on that decision, which is made by my right hon. Friend, two codes of compensation apply. These are statutory. The assessment is subject to appeal to the Lands Tribunal.