[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—On reading the article by Mr. Claude Leigh dealing with the very vital question of " Slum Clearance " in your last issue, it appears to me that one important feature arises which is not dealt with and seems to nullify much of the good which would result from the application of his scheme. He writes that he could reduce the overcrowding consequent upon the slum condition of a " large area " by erecting buildings free from the anomalies of the Rent Restrictions Act. Certainly, he would prevent the pernicious evil of sub-letting by this means, but what does he propose to do with the displaced sub-tenants ?
In order to carry out any such scheme it seems essential that the area to which it is to be applied must be adjacent to available open space, or, in other words, on the verge of open country where there is room for new buildings ; but the worst slums are in the heart of the cities where Such land is not available. This seems a fair deduction to draw. If, however, Mr. Leigh is able to show that I am wrong in my deduction I should be very glad to hear it.—I am, Sir, &c.,
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