§ 5. Lieut-Colonel Liptonasked the Minister of Local Government and Planning why he has decided that no houses in Redington Road, Hampstead, shall be converted for occupation by more than one family.
§ Mr. DaltonI have made no such decision. I shall consider any proposal for conversion on its merits.
Lieut-Colonel UptonIn view of the number of large houses in this road that have been empty for years, before an application for consent to convert is rejected will my right hon. Friend make his voice heard to encourage the authority concerned to end this snobbish and indefensible ban on conversion in this particular road?
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that the aspect of this matter which has aroused most indignation in Hampstead is the refusal of the London County Council to give permission for one of these large houses to be used as a nursing home for old people, on the ground that in their view the road must be kept exclusive to local citizens, who object to ambulances and patients?
§ Mr. DaltonI would not believe all that story, but I am prepared to consider each case on its merits. As I told the hon. Gentleman on 13th March, I am in favour of the conversion of dwelling-houses into flats in certain instances.