HC Deb 20 October 1953 vol 518 cc1784-5
6. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that houses on some new housing estates are not provided with cooking or clothes-washing facilities and that these have to be provided by the tenant; and if he will arrange that these facilities shall be provided by councils in all their new houses.

Mr. H. Macmillan

Some local authorities prefer to give their tenants freedom of choice. Points for either gas or electricity are always installed. A tenant can then get whatever type of appliance he prefers. I do not think this is a matter on which I should dictate to local authorities.

Mr. Janner

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many of these places there are not even cookers and that many tenants cannot bear the great expense in view of the high cost of living and the cost of materials?

Mr. Macmillan

All these are relevant questions, but I think it is better to leave to the local authority the duty of making its own decision.