§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the difficulties that arise in the case of a well-
2466Wbuilt building, sometimes of artistic merit, which has been the subject of a clearance order, as distinct from a demolition order, passed by the inspector and approved by the Minister, when, subsequently, it has been found that the building can be put to good use for other purposes but it is impossible to raise money to demolish and then rebuild a structure not required as a dwelling; and whether he will take powers to reconsider cases which the local authority and owner submit to the Ministry for the reconstruction of the place after the clearance order has been issued?
§ Mr. ElliotThe existing law affords to the owner of property included in a clearance order full opportunity for the making of representations that the property should be excluded from the order, and I give careful consideration to such representations including any proposals submitted for reconditioning before arriving at my decision on the order. Special provision for the protection of buildings of artistic interest is contained in Section 142 of the Housing Act, 1936.
In the circumstances I am not satisfied of the need for the introduction of the amending legislation which the suggestion of my hon. Friend would involve.