§ 14. Mr. Gallacherasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will take steps by legislation to prevent the heavy increases of rents to occupiers of municipal houses, now being imposed by many local authorities.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Woodburn)The fixing of rents is by statute entrusted to local authorities who, with their local knowledge, are best able to judge what rents are appropriate. I am not aware that local authorities are exercising their powers unreasonably, and I do not propose to interfere with the existing arrangements.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the fact that the Secretary of State for Scotland does not consider that there are increases in rents, will he take note of the fact that local authorities are doing this because they have a very considerable deficit on their housing finance, and that this deficit could be met if the Chancellor of the Exchequer would reduce the interest rates to local authorities? Will he as Secretary of State for Scotland take that up with the Chancellor and get something done?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe country itself has a very serious deficit with other parts of the world, and it does not remove a deficit to pass it round from one person to another.
§ Mr. GallacherIn view of the pathetic answer of the Secretary of State for Scotland, I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment.