§ 33. Mr. Popplewellasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the difficulty the local authority is experiencing consequent on his delay in reaching a decision on the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Slum Clearance Parker Street Compulsory Purchase Order 1963, on which the public inquiry took place on 10th December, 1963; and when he expects to announce his decision.
§ Mr. CorfieldMy right hon. Friend is aware of the corporation's anxiety and he expects to issue his decision within the next fortnight.
§ Mr. PopplewellIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that this application was made last August and that the Minister held an inquiry last December? Will the hon. Gentleman do something to see that such extensive delay does not take place in future? We are grateful for the fact that the Minister will give a decision within a fortnight.
§ Mr. CorfieldI should point out that there were 75 objections to the scheme. There are limits to the extent to which these things can be speeded up without completely overruling the rights of interested parties.