§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment which local authorities with particular slum problems have been contacted by him and asked to review their slum clearance programme and accelerate it; whether it was by letter or circular; if the circular has been published; and when he expects the results of his review.
§ Mr. ChannonThe Department's circular 50/72 was sent to all local authorities in England inviting them to join a drive to ensure that within 10 years no one should have to live in an unfit or substandard house. Authorities were asked to ascertain the age, condition and tenure of their existing housing stock, to review their present plans and to draw up a strategy for dealing with the problem within 10 years. The circular was published on 25th May 1972.
The reports received from authorities, together with the results of other recent studies, will form the basis of a comprehensive review of the policy on older housing. The review will be completed as quickly as possible.