§ 16. Mr. John Morrisonasked the Minister of Health how many families are accommodated in converted Nissen Service huts; and what is the average rent charged.
§ Mr. BevanOn 31st January approximately 12,280 families were accommodated in hutted camps under the control of local authorities, but I cannot say how many huts in those camps are converted huts, or what rents are charged for such huts.
§ Mr. Martin LindsayDoes the Minister appreciate that he is asking local authorities to levy an average rent of 7s. 6d. a family, which is quite incomparable with the amount of facilities that they get in these circumstances?
§ Mr. BevanThe average rent is not the same as the particular rent. The local authorities in these cases have charged the rent which they consider to be reasonable in the circumstances. If the hon. Member has instances of unreasonable rents being charged, and he will let me know, I will inquire into them.
§ Mr. LindsayBut is it not a fact that the Minister insists on an average of 7s. 6d. a family?
§ Mr. BevanIt may be reasonable that in some instances more should be charged, but if there are instances of excessive charges, I will have them inquired into.
§ Mr. Quintin HoggIs the right hon. Gentleman trying to withhold information from the House or assisting us to learn the truth?