§ Mr. Lees-Jonesasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider introducing legislation to amend the Housing Act so as to compel local authorities to afford opportunities for reconditioning by the owners of premises scheduled for inclusion under slum-clearance orders before any actual demolition takes place?
§ Mr. BernaysThe Central Housing Advisory Committee recently considered this question. They did not recommend any change in the law, in view of the necessity for finality, but they have made various1826W suggestions for changes in administrative procedure to ensure that the possibilities of reconditioning are fully explored before an order for demolition becomes operative. I will send to my hon. Friend a copy of a circular on the subject which I hope shortly to issue to local authorities.