§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in the Appendix 2 List of Slum Houses issued by his Department to the Press on Monday, 23rd January, 1967, the 5,500 total number of unfit houses in Newham and the 2,851 five-year slum clearance programme 1965 to 1970 were the figures submitted in response to Circular 11/65 or the revised estimates; and what special action he proposes to take to assist Newham in overcoming this heavy slum clearance programme.
§ Mr. MellishThe figures were submitted in response to Circular 11/65. As my hon. Friend knows, the position of Newham in relation to the Housing Subsidies Bill has been discussed with them; my right hon. Friend is willing to consider any other suggestions for help.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what 65W was meant by reference in the Press statement issued by his Department on Monday, 23rd January, 1967, to the very heavy concentration of slums in Newham, the holding of special talks to see what could be done to speed up clearance in this black spot, in view of the exclusion of Newham from the special provisions for financial assistance under the Housing Subsidies Bill; and what has been the result of the special talks referred to in this Press statement.
§ Mr. MellishAs Appendix 2 to the Press statement showed, Newham had the second highest number of unfit houses in Greater London, and was not expecting to clear them all during the current five-year programme.
The discussions referred to are a series of meetings being held with all the authorities with the greatest number of slums. The steps to be taken will be formulated as the series proceeds.