THE HOUSING QUESTION 
75 
reconstruction scheme, subject to the work being done within the 
period prescribed by the Regulations issued under the Act. 
" So far as c rcumstances will permit, local authorities should 
begin the work now, though it may be on a comparatively small 
scale. They will thus acquire the necessary experience to enable 
them to cope with the task when the time arrives for more exten 
sive operations.” 
Dr. Addison, Minister of Health, at Exeter, Feb. 
1921:— 
“ When other accommodation has been provided it would 
enable the sweeping away of a large number of slum areas.” 
And what during the two and a half years since the 
Act passed has taken place ? Not a slum has yet been 
cleared in the whole country. The total number of 
dwelling-houses in schemes of slum clearance sub 
mitted, including those confirmed, is “ over 4,000, with 
a population approximately of 20,000" (Sir Alfred 
Mond in the House of Commons, 13th March, 1922). 
It would be safe to say that the numbers confirmed 
amount to perhaps a quarter of the above figures— 
probably less. Submission to the Ministry is by no 
means the same thing as approval. 
In 2^ years therefore, an attack on the slums of 
perhaps 5,000 people in all has been begun. 
Probably only a small number even of these have 
reached the stage of actual commencement of clear 
ance on the ground. It is a long step from “ confirma 
tion " by the Minister to commencement of demolition. 
Practically speaking the Government have done 
nothing worth recording in slum clearance in spite of 
all their brave words.