§ Mr. L. Smithasked the Minister of Health the number of cases in which certificates have been given in connection with slum clearance schemes that condemned properties have been well maintained; and whether in all cases the local authorities have acted upon these recommendations in accordance with the terms of the Housing Acts?
§ Sir K. WoodUp to 31st January, 1938, I had given directions to local authorities to make good maintenance payments in respect of 3,782 houses involved in slum clearance schemes. If my hon. Friend will let me have details of any particular case he has in mind I will gladly look into it.
Mr. R. Duckworthasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that cottages of natural beauty are being destroyed instead of being reconditioned; and whether, in sanctioning slum-clearance schemes ordering the demolition of residential buildings of any sort, he invariably takes into consideration the possibility of reconditioning instead of destroying?
§ Sir K. WoodIt is my invariable practice, when considering Clearance Orders and Compulsory Purchase Orders which are submitted to me by local authorities for my confirmation, to examine carefully all proposals for the reconditioning of houses. As I stated in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Maidstone (Mr. Bossom) on 15th November last, I have frequently urged, and will continue to urge, upon local authorities the desirability of taking all practicable steps by way of publicity and proper survey to secure the reconditioning of cottages which can be made fit for human habitation.