§ Mr. RYEasked the Minister of Health whether the proposed amendment of Section 46 of the Housing Act, 1925, will be retrospective so as to ensure payment to owners who have already been divested of their properties, under an improvement scheme carried out under Section 35 of the Act, of such increased compensation as may hereafter be payable less any compensation already received?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs I stated in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece) on the 17th instant, I am not in a position to say when proposals for2072W dealing with slum areas will be laid before the House, nor can I state what provisions will be included in such proposals.
§ Viscount SANDONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of, and can render any assistance to, the societies which have been organised in various parts of the country for the purpose of undertaking on a voluntary basis schemes for the improvement and clearance of slum areas and the provision of houses at low rentals?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware of the valuable work which is being undertaken by these societies. In connection with their schemes for the erection of new houses it is open to the societies to apply to the local authorities for subsidy under the Housing Acts of 1923 or 1924 in respect of houses which comply with the conditions laid down. I shall always be pleased to render any assistance possible towards furthering the objects of these societies.