60. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Edmonton District Council has notified the tenants on its housing estates that they must discontinue taking in lodgers or vacate their tenements; that there is at present a great shortage of housing accommodation which will be intensified if this decision is enforced; and if he proposes to make any representations to the district council on the subject?
§ Sir A. MONDI understand that in order to avoid overcrowding the Tenancy Agreement in the case of the houses in the Assisted Housing Scheme of the Edmonton Urban District Council provides that tenants shall not take in lodgers without the consent of the council and that the council are requiring compliance with this provision. While the matter is one which is within the discretion of the local authority, I will communicate with them on the subject.
Sir F. HALLIs not the right hon. Gentleman's Department at the present time subsidising this district council; and, if so, to what extent?
§ Sir A. MONDYes, certainly, but it is within the discretion of the local authority to make reasonable conditions. I do not think it is unreasonable that they should ask for their consent to be obtained to tenants taking lodgers.
Sir F. HALLDoes the right hon. Gentleman recognise that there is an enormous number of persons who are quite unable to obtain empty houses or apartments, and will he see what he can do with this district council?
§ Sir A. MONDYes, certainly, I shall communicate with the local authority that their consent should not be unreasonably withheld. But we do not want houses to be overcrowded.