§ Mr. JOHNasked the Minister of Health from the passing of the Housing Act, 1930, the number of schemes for the improvement of unhealthy areas submitted to the Ministry and the number confirmed; how many schemes have been undertaken by local authorities and the number completed; the total amount paid on account by the State towards slum clearance; and the ultimate State liability in respect of schemes approved, in continuation of the information given on 12th February, 1931?
Sir H. YOUNGUp to 31st January last I had received resolutions declaring 377 areas in England and Wales to be clearance areas, and 10 areas to be improvement areas under the Housing Act, 1930. These resolutions do not require confirmation by me. Complete returns have not yet been received, but at least 308 houses had been demolished in the areas in question by 31st December last. The amount paid on account by the State towards slum clearance during the year 1931 was £83,672 and the ultimate annual State liability is roughly estimated at £280,000.