§ Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Minister of Transport whether he is aware that the inhabitants of Jews Row and Pier Terrace in Wandsworth have been living for years in conditions of squalor; that the London County Council has purchased some of the properties and has obtained powers to purchase the remainder, but has been awaiting the approval of his Department for months; and if he will now enable the London County Council to give a date by which these people will be rehoused.
§ Mr. Tom FraserI understand that certain properties in Jews Row and Pier Terrace are in a bad state and that the L.C.C. have decided to acquire them, not under slum clearance powers, but under powers contained in the L.C.C. (Improvements) Act, 1964, in connection with their scheme to improve the Wandsworth Bridge Southern Approach. This is a large and expensive scheme, the estimated cost of which has recently been substantially increased. Discussions about it are proceeding urgently, but until I am satisfied that this cost is fully justified, I am unable to approve the scheme.