§ Major Procterasked the Minister of Health, whether he is aware that in view of the shortage of houses some time must elapse before dwellings included in clearance orders and compulsory purchase orders can be demolished; and whether he will fix an appropriate date if owners of such properties are willing to recondition and repair them.
§ Mr. WillinkIt is unfortunately true that owing to the impossibility of building the necessary new houses during the war many houses which had been condemned before the war must continue to be occupied for some time to come. The suggestion made by my hon. and gallant Friend would require legislation on a basis quite inconsistent with that laid down by Parliament for the demolition of unfit houses, and I should not feel justified in seeking such powers.