HC Deb 25 April 1923 vol 163 c459
66. Mr. MARDY JONES

asked the Minister of Health whether he exercises any supervision over the methods adopted by local authorities in the letting of State-assisted houses so as to ensure that the houses are let to the most desirable tenants who are in the most urgent need of houses; and whether he has received any complaints of local favouritism in connection with these lettings from any part of the country?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The general management, regulation and control of houses erected under the Housing Acts are matters entirely for the local authorities. There have very occasionally been complaints in regard to the allocation of houses erected under the State-assisted scheme, bet I am satisfied that this is not a matter in which I should interfere with the discretion of local authorities.

Mr. JONES

In view of the fact that such large sums are given as State aid for these houses, is the Minister prepared to reconsider the position if urgent cases of grevious mismanagement in that direction are brought forward?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Under the Statutory provision the discretion is left to the local authority.