HC Deb 02 July 1935 vol 303 cc1800-1

8.51 p.m.

Mr. SKELTON

I beg to move, in page 36, line 2, to leave out "either."

As the Bill stands, the Department's power to withdraw or refuse subsidies is limited to a case where a local authority fails to carry out one of its duties under the Act. It is desired to extend that power and to apply it to a case of failure to carry out a power. The object of the Amendment is to strengthen the Department's hands in connection with the provisions of Clause 47, giving local authorities power to grant rebates of rent to their tenants. This power is optional, but it is a fundamental part of the Government's policy that local authorities should exercise this power of giving rebates in order that their houses may be let, particularly to low wage earners, at rents within the tenants' means. The financial arrangement of the scheme is devised on the basis that rebates will be given where necessary and the Amendment places in the hands of the Department a reserve power to be used in any case where a local authority refuses to make rebates.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 36, line 5, at the end, insert: (b) failed to exercise any of their powers under the aforesaid Acts in any case where these powers ought to have been exercised; or."—[Mr. Skelton.]