HC Deb 24 November 1964 vol 702 cc1073-4
18. Mr. Russell Johnston

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he intends to revise the system upon which the extent of the need for slum clearance is established.

Mr. Crossman

A revision is overdue. I shall shortly be asking local authorities to bring up to date their assessments of their slum clearance needs, and will then review the situation generally.

Mr. Johnston

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that local authorities' assessments dc not always give a very accurate picture of the situation, in that to some degree they are tempered by the ability of the local authority to deal with the problem properly? Also, they do not take into account the lack of modern amenities such as a supply of water and a bath. Will he take this into account and consider a national survey?

Mr. Crossman

I am well aware of the remarkable variations in the standards of local authorities in their definition of a slum. Every effort will be made to remedy that, but it would he a great mistake merely to rely on a national survey. I want the collaboration of the local authorities, and they all have their own methods of reviewing their problems.