Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health with regard to his circular suspending the demolition of slum property, 1226W whether it is his intention that slum houses which are empty shall be left standing; whether he is aware that such properties, left unattended, are extremely dangerous; and whether, in view of this, he will take steps to secure that they should be properly boarded up and supported?
§ Miss HorsbrughThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Such houses, although unfit for human habitation, might, in the event of a considerable destruction of housing accommodation owing to enemy action, be brought temporarily into use. As regards the remaining parts of the question I have already advised local authorities in response to inquiries to do everything possible to ensure that these houses are protected and, where necessary, disinfested. Where the houses are still in private ownership the matter would, of course, be one for the owners.