HC Deb 24 October 1946 vol 428 cc10-1
9. Mr. Gammans

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities have increased the rents of their municipal houses on account of the increased cost of repairs and maintenance; and the sums between which the increases range.

Mr. Bevan

I regret that the information asked for is not available.

Mr. Gammans

Why does not the Minister seek an amendment to the law which will give the same protection to tenants of council houses against increases in rent as is given to other tenants?

Mr. Bevan

The fact is that the rents of houses are fixed by local authorities with reference to the circumstances in their own areas, and there is this difference between the tenants of local authorities and the tenants of private owners, that the tenants of local authorities are also citizens and have control over the policy of local authorities.