HC Deb 21 July 1949 vol 467 cc1535-6
11. Mr. Albu

asked the Minister of Health for what reason he refuses to allow a local authority, which pays a rate subsidy to a new town corporation in respect of accommodation provided for residents transferred from the area of the authority, the power to control the re-letting of the premises thereby vacated.

Mr. Bevan

I have no power to authorise a local authority to control the lettings of privately owned houses which become vacant.

Mr. Albu

Can my right hon. Friend say in what way the overcrowded boroughs can obtain advantage from the New Towns Act if they are not able to control the letting of premises released by people who go to live in the new towns?

Mr. Bevan

I think that when the lettings in new towns occur to any extent it will be possible to make some arrangements; but, as my hon. Friend knows, it is desired that the new towns vacancies should be associated with employment in the new towns, too.