§ 56. Mr. PENNYasked the Minister of Health whether, in deciding to fix greatly reduced rents for the houses to be erected under the new housing scheme, consideration was given to the case of occupiers of similar houses built under previous State-aided schemes, who will thereby be placed in a disadvantageous position in the matter of rent; and whether, seeing that the anomaly thus created will cause difficulties in administration, he will reconsider the whole position?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI do not think that the proposals which I hope to make will have the prejudicial effect which the hon. Member apprehends on the houses built under existing State-aided schemes.
§ Mr. PENNYWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House what his proposals are going to be in this respect, and will these men be treated on the same level?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThere is no doubt I will tell the House in due course.
§ Mr. P. HARRISDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that practically none of the State houses built in London are rented at 9s. and under, and that they are all very much over; and will he consider the question of those rents, because the loss will have to be borne by the State?
§ Mr. PRINGLECannot the right hon. Gentleman answer, in view of the fact that in London at present there are three-roomed houses being built at a rental of over 14s. a week? Why should they pay 14s. a week if the occupants of new houses are to pay 9s.?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYThese are all questions which will have to be determined by Parliament.