§ 86. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in future, he will refrain from using the term "slum clearance" in official correspondence and publications, since many people living in obsolete houses that are now due for demolition are excellent citizens and resent the imputation that they are slum dwellers.
§ Mr. SandysThe same thought has often occurred to me. I agree that "slum" is an unpleasant expression. The full statutory official designation of slum houses is
houses which are unfit for human habitation or by reason of their bad arrangement, or the narrowness or bad arrangement of the streets, dangerous or injurious to the health of the inhabitants of the area.This is most cumbersome and scarcely any more attractive. However, I should be very glad to consider any alternative suggestions.
§ 88. Mr. Mahonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the annual target for slum clearance, expressed in terms of units of accommodation, which the Government have set for achievement during the present Parliament.
§ Mr. SandysOur immediate aim is to step up the slum clearance campaign so 177W as to secure, as soon as possible, the rehousing of at least 200,000 people a year, involving the annual provision of about 60,000 new dwellings for this purpose.