§ 3. Sir G. Sinclairasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the special treatment accorded to development areas and the Government's acceptance of the Plowden principle of educational priority areas, what proposals he has for establishing similar principles for dealing with housing in the twilight areas of the main city centres by way of redevelopment or conversion schemes.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Robert Mellish)The Government have already given priority to areas with specially heavy slum clearance and overcrowding problems in their housing programme, and special attention will be given to twilight areas in the review of legislation relating to older houses, and their environment.
§ Sir G. SinclairI welcome that reply, but may I ask the Minister to let the House know at an early date what extra funds he is seeking to give effect to the promise he has now made?
§ Mr. MellishA review is taking place. We are having consultations, not only with local authorities, but with all those interested in this problem, and as the hon. Gentleman probably knows a special study has just been completed by the sub-committee of our Housing Committee. I hope that later in the year my right hon. Friend will be in a position to say clearly what he intends to do.
§ Mr. Graham PageIn his original reply the hon. Gentleman mentioned the review of legislation. When is it likely that the chicken will come out of this egg?
§ Mr. MellishI hope in the not too distant future, and I give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that before the chicken comes out of the egg he will be involved in the hatching ceremony.