§ 40. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the rents charged by the London County Council for houses erected outside their own area are considerably higher than the rents charged for similar accommodation by other local authorities; that since the rents of these houses were fixed in accordance with the Housing Regulations 40 local authorities in London and Greater London have reduced the rents of their houses, but the London County Council have made no reduction; and, in view of these facts and the growing dissatisfaction of London County Council tenants in Outer London, he will draw the attention of the London County Council to the fact that their rents are no longer in accordance with the Housing Regulations?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI do not think I can usefully add anything to the replies already given to the questions addressed to me by the hon. Member regarding each of the points referred to in this question.
§ Miss LAWRENCEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware, that these exceedingly high rents were fixed by the London County Council in accordance with the instructions of a former Minister of Health; and, if so, has he taken that fact into consideration?
§ Mr. P. HARRISIs it not a fact that the Ministry is responsible for the deficit; and is the right hon. Gentleman therefore not responsible for seeing that the right rents are charged?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI think this is a case where, if any steps are to be taken, the first one should be taken by the County Council.