§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to prevent houses which may be reconditioned and put in a fit, sanitary, and habitable condition from being subsequently included in an unhealthy area scheme and consequently subjected to the provisions of Section 46 of the Housing Act., 1925, relating to the compensation payable to their owners on their being acquired by a local authority?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend is under some misapprehension as to the effect of the law as it stands. Compensation on the basis of site value applies only to premises which are included in a scheme as confirmed on account of their sanitary condition or because those premises are dangerous or prejudicial to health. As my hon. Friend is aware, I am of opinion that the provisions of Section 46 are in some respects unsatisfactory and I have under consideration proposals for amending them. In the meantime, I can only say that before confirming any scheme my careful consideration is given to the question whether any property in a scheme as submitted falls within the categories mentioned: and where property not falling within these classes is necessary for the efficient carrying out of a. scheme and is included in the confirmed scheme for that purpose, compensation is payable on the basis of market value.