HC Deb 27 October 1932 vol 269 cc1141-2
41. Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

asked the Minister of Health whether he will request all local authorities who have had assistance from public funds for their housing schemes to furnish a report which will give the number of houses occupied by tenants who are known to be in a financial position which enables them to pay an economic rental?

Sir H. YOUNG

As my hon. Friend is aware, the management of houses belonging to local authorities is vested in the local authorities themselves. The preparation of such a return as he suggests house by house would be so difficult and expensive and the resulting information would be subject to so many sources of error, that I do not think the expenditure would be justified by its results.

Mr. CRAVEN-ELLIS

Will the Minister give instructions to local authorities that any houses which are provided by State funds should be occupied only by those whose wage level justifies the rent subsidy?

Sir H. YOUNG

It is undoubtedly desirable that subsidised houses should be occupied only by those who are in need of the assistance, but it is not within my power to give instructions to the local authorities to that effect.

Sir FRANCIS FREMANTLE

Is it not a fact that many local authorities have issued notices privately to occupants of these houses suggesting that they should find accommodation elsewhere and is it not a fact that that gentle pressure is taking effect?

Sir H. YOUNG

It is a fact that many local authorities are quite alive to the necessity for an effort in this direction.

49. Mr. LOUIS SMITH

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the information in his possession as to the number of tenants in occupation of council houses subsidised by the State who at the same time are owning motor cars?

Sir H. YOUNG

No such information is in my possession.

Mr. SMITH

In view of the fact that in some districts people of small means are unable to obtain subsidised houses owing to their being occupied by people whose means would allow them to pay a greater rent, will my right hon. Friend cause a careful investigation to be made into this matter?

Sir H. YOUNG

It is, of course, most desirable that local authorities should secure that subsidised houses are made available to those who need the assistance of the subsidy, but, as I have said, this is a matter within the discretion of the local authorities.