HC Deb 29 November 1955 vol 546 cc188-9W
95. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what schemes of slum clearance in Edinburgh and Leith have been submitted to him by the Edinburgh Corporation; and if they have yet received his approval.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have approved the Corporation's proposals submitted under Section 1 of the Housing (Repairs and Rents) (Scotland) Act, 1954, involving the demolition or closure of 1,026 unfit houses in the city during the three-year period up to 31st December, 1958, and the building of an equivalent number of new houses for rehousing purposes. Areas at Spey Street and Burns Street, Leith, involving the demolition of 90 houses and other buildings have already been cleared. Objections to a compulsory purchase order made by the Corporation in respect of part of a clearance area at Calton Road have now been withdrawn and I expect to dispose of the order shortly. The number of unfit houses to be demolished in this area is 72. The Corporation has in hand or in contemplation the preparation of other clearance schemes, notably in the Dumbiedykes district where it has served notices in respect of 151 unfit houses as part of a large scheme of comprehensive development under the Planning Acts.