HC Deb 30 July 1957 vol 574 cc153-4W
86. Sir A. Spearman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that condemned houses in Atlas Place and St. Thomas Walk, Scarborough. and elsewhere are being compulsorily purchased at £1 each; and if he will take steps to see that the owners are paid a price more approximating to the site value.

Mr. H. Brooke

The amount of compensation paid for the sites of unfit houses is a matter of valuation assessment. I have no jurisdiction. In the event of dispute, appeal lies to the Lands Tribunal.

113. Mr. Pitman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whethter he is aware that payments of 20s. and of 1s. as the compensation for freehold properties compulsorily acquired, as has occurred in recent slum clearance schemes, are inconsistent with the recommendations of the Franks Committee that fair compensation should be paid; and whether he will introduce legislation to allow local authorities to pay a fair additional compensation for past cases and require them to pay fair compensation in future cases.

Mr. H. Brooke

No. Compensation for property acquired in connection with slum clearance was not within the terms of reference of the Franks Committee. The present system of compensation was reviewed when the Government introduced the Bill for the Slum Clearance (Compensation)Act, 1956, and no further changes are proposed.