HC Deb 03 July 1951 vol 489 cc2132-3
30. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Local Government and Planning what representations he has received from the Kidderminster Rural District Council seeking permission for the sale of council-houses to suitable tenants; what was the nature of the response to these representations; and whether he will make a statement of the general policy of His Majesty's Government in that regard.

Mr. Dalton

This Council made representations on 4th May last. I told them I could not agree. I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Wembley, North (Wing Commander Bullus), on 10th May last.

Mr. Nabarro

Would the right hon. Gentleman not agree to reconsider this matter? Is it not a fact that a substantial reduction can be effected in the amount of the annual rates and taxes, through the contribution to housing subsidies, by allowing the sale, only in suitable and desirable cases, and where the council so desire it? Would he please reconsider it on those lines?

Mr. Dalton

I am always prepared to go on considering it, but as at present advised I do not think I am in a position to reconsider it. This means selling public property to private people, and on the whole I think that is objectionable. No doubt the hon. Gentleman would not take that view, but I and many of my hon. Friends think that is so.

Sir H. Williams

Would the right hon. Gentleman have a consensus taken among his colleagues to find out how many Ministers own the houses in which they live?

Mr. George Thomas

Is my right hon. Friend aware that any reduction in the number of council houses available for those in the greatest need as would result from the hon. Gentleman's suggestion—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—is bound to be resented by those who are still on the waiting lists of local authorities?

Mr. Dalton

I agree with my hon. Friend.

Brigadier Prior-Palmer

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the former Minister of Health gave an assurance at a Brighton conference that he was in favour of this in principle, and that if a case was put up by any local authority he would be prepared to consider it; and is the right hon. Gentleman's policy now in opposition to that declared by his right hon. Friend?

Mr. Fernyhough

Does my right hon. Friend realise that, if local authorities charged the same price for houses as private enterprise charges when selling similar accommodation, there would be no request for them to be sold to the tenants?

Mr. Nabarro

As it is evident that there is a considerable difference of opinion about this matter and that a good case can be made for the large number of tenants who want to buy these council houses, is the Minister prepared to hold an inquiry into the whole problem, particularly in the rural authorities' areas.

Mr. Dalton

No, Sir.