§ 21. Mr. WHITEHOUSEasked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received complaints respecting the rents fixed by his Department for houses in Bellshill and Cambuslang; whether these rents are from £8 to £10 more than is charged for houses of a similar kind in these districts; whether one ward committee has refused to let the houses as a protest against the rents asked; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)The houses in question form part of a scheme of 350 houses erected by the Ministry of Munitions under an arrangement that they will be taken over after the War by the local authorities. The rents fixed are higher than the rents of houses in the district of a similar type built before the War, but the increase only partially covers the increase in cost of building. The rents have been fixed to 1851 obtain an economic return on 70 per cent. of the total cost of the houses, 30 per cent. of the cost being written off as being due to special war conditions. The Ministry have agreed to undertake the management of the houses.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill the hon. Gentleman be good enough to reply to the question whether it is true that one of the committees refused to let the houses?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYIt is a fact that there was some difficulty with one of the committees, and that is why the Ministry has undertaken to manage the houses.
§ Mr. WHITEHOUSEWill the hon. Gentleman say whether any inquiry is being made as to whether it is economically possible for the tenants to pay these high rents?
§ Mr. KELLAWAYI myself had negotiations with the local authorities, and these arrangements have been come to in consequence.