HC Deb 27 November 1951 vol 494 cc1096-7
17. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will seek legislative powers enabling him to prevent local authorities from imposing a weekly fine of 5s. on tenants of council houses for every lodger and sub-tenant accommodated; and whether he will treat this matter urgently, in view of the prevailing shortage of housing accommodation.

Mr. H. Macmillan

No, Sir. I feel that my predecessors were wise in regarding the fixing of rents as a matter best left to the discretion of the local authorities.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that many of these council house tenants have responded to the appeals of local authorities to take in these folk who were living in overcrowded conditions, and, in view of that, will he reconsider his answer and see that some justice is given to these council house tenants?

Mr. Macmillan

I know the argument on both sides, but I have a great respect for local authorities. They are democratically elected authorities, and I do not like interfering with them autocratically if I can avoid doing so.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that there is no appeal from the action of the local authorities, and will he at least consider the facts if I send them to him?

Mr. Macmillan

I will gladly consider anything that the hon. Gentleman sends to me. There is, of course, an appeal to the courts in certain circumstances.

Mr. E. Fernyhough

Does not this present an obstacle to the transfer of essential labour?

Mr. Macmillan

I know that there are many difficulties involved, but I do not at present wish to change what seems to me to be a wise decision of both my predecessors on this matter.