§ 64. Mr. Whitelawasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that owners of houses scheduled for future demolition by local authorities under the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, Section 1, suffer an immediate loss in the value of their property but do not receive any compensation under the Slum Clearance Compensation Act, 1956, until action is taken by the local authority, which may be several years ahead; and if he will take steps by legislation or otherwise to ensure that such owners do not suffer an injustice if they have to sell their properties in the intervening period.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe Slum Clearance (Compensation) Act, 1956, already allows an owner-occupier entitled to the benefit of the Act to let his house, while retaining his right to compensation at the higher rate. If, however, he needs to realise the compensation at once, he can ask the local authority either to buy the house, or to put a closing or demolition order on it ahead of its timetable. I do not think that there is a case for amending legislation.