6.
recommended a departure from previous policy. It proposes that, as a start, 30,000 such squatters in the worst areas should be re-settled in the next 6 years. This is a proposal generated by the Board before Mr. Royle's last visit in October, and before my minute was written after our discussions.
This recommendation will require careful thought before it can be accepted, and full consideration has not yet been given to it. My immediate personal reaction to it, however, that, even if acceptable in principle, it involves the following difficult judgements in each case :-
is
(a) Is the condition of the area so bad in comparison that the squatters deserve priority of attention over Squating, other deserving groups at present with
higher priorities?
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(b) How probable is it that the area will be required for development anyway, and if so when?
(c) Do the squatters want to be resettled, or, if not, is the area so bad that forcible clearance is justifiable? (In which connection
see also below.)
(d) If they so desire, would any or all of them be likely to be eligible for, or be allocated, other forms of aided housing?
(e) Once clear, can the land be kept clear of more squatters?
However, the proposal is an important step forward in the Board's thinking, and it will certainly be considered carefully.