32. Mrs. Slaterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is satisfied that there are enough public health inspectors to make possible the implementation of the first stage of his proposed Slum Clearance Programme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephOn present information, I do not expect serious difficulty to be experienced in this respect by authorities with big slum clearance problems.
§ 37. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of the lengthy processes which delay slum clearance; and whether he will take steps to speed up the acquisition of building sites.
§ Sir K. JosephLocal authorities and I must deal with clearance orders and compulsory purchase orders for slum areas according to the procedure prescribed in the Housing Act, 1957, for the protection of the citizens affected by these orders. I am, however, concerned that the machine should work as quickly as possible and the position is kept continuously under review.
§ Mr. P. Williamsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will announce the details of the improved slum clearance programme for Sunderland.
§ Sir K. JosephSunderland County Borough Council have been clearing between 500 and 600 slum dwellings a year. They have submitted revised proposals for clearing the remaining 2,900 slums in four years—an average rate of 725 a year. These proposals have been approved.