§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, under slum clearance schemes sanctioned by his Department, a number of individuals will be deprived of their savings through being dispossessed of the houses belonging to them without receiving any real compensation therefor; and whether he will consider representing to local authorities the advisability of postponing the acquisition of houses under that part of the Housing Act, 1925, that relates to slum clearance schemes until such time as they shall be entitled to pay fair compensation therefor?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe question of amending in certain respects Section 46 of the Housing Act, 1925, which deals with the question of compensation payable for property included in slum schemes, is receiving consideration. I do not think, however, that I could properly suggest to local authorities that they should refrain from carrying out any part of their duties under existing legislation.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Health when he proposes to introduce legislation repealing Section 46 of the Housing Act, 1925, and providing that equitable compensation shall be given to owners whose houses are acquired by local authorities in connection with slum clearance schemes?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Blackpool (Sir W. de Frece) on the 17th instant.