§ 36. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the decision of the Cardiff City Housing Authority to 1952 build a wall across the Coed Glas Road to separate council houses from those privately owned; and what representations he has made to the local authority on this subject.
§ Mr. MarplesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Llewellyn) yesterday.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Minister aware that the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Llewellyn) took the precaution of putting down a written Question for written reply, and that there is deep resentment in the city of Cardiff at this decision, which is based on snobbery and class distinction? Will the Minister take steps in connection with the decision of the authority in view of the fact that council house tenants throughout the city are indignant at the attitude which is being taken?
§ Mr. MarplesWithout entering into the controversy of whether a Question is put down for written answer or not, I must point out to the hon. Gentleman that the local authority do not need the approval of my right hon. Friend, and that hon. Members in all parts of the House are constantly asking for local authorities to have more jurisdiction over their own affairs. Perhaps I might repeat part of the answer made by my right hon. Friend? He said, and this is his own opinion—
I should very much regret if anybody were at this time to employ labour and materials on building such a wall or any other smiliar barrier."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 27th April, 1953; Vol. 514, c. 92.]