§ 24. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what increase in the cost of council houses at Cardiff is anticipated as a result of the increased Bank rate; and what increase in the rent of council houses is likely to accrue.
39. Mr..J. J. Astorasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent his reconsideration of 206 housing subsidies now in progress will result in rises in rents to tenants.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI would refer the hon. Members to the reply given to the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) on 13th November.
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the fact that my Question applies to Cardiff, would the Minister tell me whether the estimate of 3s. 6d. per week per house which is being made locally is a sound one, and when he expects his talks on subsidies to reach finality?
§ Mr. MacmillanThey cannot have reached finality because they have only just begun. But as I said in further elaboration in the debate on the Address,
… in the course of these negotiations, which comprise many elements for discussion and for adjustment, the rise in the cost of borrowing will have its place."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th November, 1951; Vol. 493, c. 846.]
§ Mr. ThomasCan the Minister tell me whether he can guarantee that there will be no increase in the rents of council houses as a result of the increase in the Bank rate?
§ Mr. MacmillanNo, Sir. This is one of the matters which will be discussed in the course of the negotiations.