§ Mr. Leckieasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to a statement by the Walsall medical officer of health in his latest annual report that, while great efforts had been made to deal with as many unfit houses as possible during the year, these were largely frustrated by the long interval which elapsed after the date of representation, the declaration of clearance areas, and the holding of a public inquiry by the Ministry of Health; whether he is aware that, although in some areas official representations were made in January and March, 1937, and 3322W public inquiries were held in September and October, the confirmation of the order was not received until May, 1938; and whether he will take immediate steps to expedite matters in this and other cases in view of the extreme urgency of slum clearance?
§ Mr. ElliotMy attention has been drawn to the statement to which my hon. Friend refers. The orders in question numbered 38 and the work involved in the detailed examination of the large number of houses included was considerable. I regret the delay which occurred in this particular case and can assure my hon. Friend that every effort is made to give decisions on orders of this kind as quickly as possible, consistent with the proper carrying out of the review.