§ Mr. PENRY WILLIAMS(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that out of 504 houses built and occupied under the Middlesbrough Housing Scheme. 26V have not paid their rates; whether he is aware that proceedings are being taken this week against these tenants; if he could arrange with the local authority to collect the rates weekly with the rents of the houses, so that no large lump sums are payable at one time; and whether he will request the local authority to extend every consideration to those who are suffering from falling wages and unemployment?
§ Sir A. MONDI was not aware of the position to which the hon. Member refers. There is no objection, so far as my Department is concerned, to arrangements being made for a weekly collection of rates from occupiers of houses built under the assisted scheme.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman arrange that the rates should be included in the rent, and will he see that there is no further accumulation of arrears which the tenants are quite unable to pay?
§ Sir A. MONDSurely that is a question for the local authorities.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the Minister of Health make representations to them on this point?
§ Sir A. MONDI do not see that I am called upon to make representations. Surely these are matters for the local authorities themselves to deal with.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he fixes the rates by fixing the rent?
§ Sir A. MONDThese are all matters of arrangement with the local authorities.