HC Deb 08 April 1946 vol 421 cc1620-1
11 and 12. Major Hugh Fraser

asked the Minister of Supply (1) if he is aware that on royal ordnance factory housing estates the standard of housing provided is often lower, and the standard of rent demanded is higher, than that offered by neighbouring local authorities; and what action he proposes to take;

(2) whether, in view of the conditions and over centralized administration of royal ordnance factory housing estates, he will consider handing them over, with due compensation, to the administration of suitable local authorities.

Mr. Wilmot

The houses and flats on these estates provide badly needed accommodation for the workers in our factories. They were built to wartime standards and are not eligible for subsidy under the Housing Acts. I am, however, at present considering with the other interested Departments whether the basis of assessment of rent should be revised. The estates are administered by housing managers living in the area.

Major Fraser

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on the Walton building estate adjacent to the area of Stone Urban District Council the difference in rents between those fiats and houses to which he referred and those provided by the local authority is between 4s. and 5s., and that that is having a very serious effect on the people working in the ordnance factories? Will he most seriously reconsider this matter?

Mr. Wilmot

The difference arises from the fact that the local authority estates carry a subsidy. These houses do not. But, as I have said, the whole matter is being considered.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

In the event of one of the occupants of those houses ceasing to be employed by the Ministry on the estate, does that occupant then remain in the house or does he have to leave it?

Mr. Wilmot

Subject to provision for avoiding hardship, we need the houses for employees in the factories.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in other words, the Government are using tied cottages?

Mr. McGovern

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the agitation for the revision of those rents has been going cm for the last three years? Can he give no encouragement to the people in those houses who are suffering hardship? When will the findings of the inquiry be available?

Mr. Wilmot

Before very long, I hope.