HC Deb 07 June 1932 vol 266 cc1775-7
29. Mr. GODFREY NICHOLSON (for Mr. GOLDIE)

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners the amount of revenue received by the Commissioners for the year ended 31st October, 1931, from their estates in the borough of Paddington; the amount by which that revenue exceeds the revenue in the year ended 31st October, 1921; and the total amount received during that period from the renewal of leases on these estates?

Mr. DENMAN

The revenue of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners from estates in the borough of Paddington was for the year to 31st October, 1931, £69,694. This exceeded the corresponding rental of 1921 by £36,088. Practically the whole of this excess was derived from renewals of leases and in addition on these renewals in the 10 years capital premiums of about £4,500 were received.

Captain A. RAMSAY

Does not this Paddington area come within the scope of the houses to which the Bishop of London referred as being ghastly?

Mr. DENMAN

No, Sir, not the area from which this increase in revenue comes.

30. Mr. G. NICHOLSON (for Mr. GOLDIE)

asked the hon. Member for Central Leeds, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, whether he is aware of the defective condition of, and the overcrowding existing in, the estates controlled by the Commissioners in the borough of Paddington; what steps it is proposed to take to remedy the conditions; and, in particular, what sum it is proposed to expend during the current financial year in alterations and improvements?

Mr. DENMAN

The allegation in this question appears to be that houses in the borough of Paddington under the control of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners are suffering from overcrowding or defective conditions. Far from being aware of this, I invite the hon. Member either to substantiate the allegation or publicly to withdraw it.

Mr. NICHOLSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a statement has been circulated in the London Diocesan Conference on this matter?

Mr. DENMAN

Hon. Members are aware that they are responsible for the allegations which they put into questions, and, if the hon. Member accepted the statements in that document, I am sorry for him, because the document is in several respects grossly misleading.

Mr. HOLFORD KNIGHT

Is it not the case that this area was described some 20 years ago, during the Booth inquiry, as the blackest spot in London; and is it not also the case that the area is occupied by tenants of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and that the conditions to which attention is called in this question are conditions for which the Eccesiastical Commissioners now retain responsibility?

Mr. DENMAN

The question relates to property controlled by the Commissioners. I believe that there are houses in the area referred to which are overcrowded and which will pass into the control of the Commissioners about the year 3,800; and I can promise my hon. Friend that, if the Government are still in power, they shall be promptly dealt with.

Mr. NICHOLSON rose

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Mr. SPEAKER

This is turning into a debate.