HC Deb 04 May 1954 vol 527 cc187-8
32. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the plight of overcrowded families who, having moved voluntarily from one municipal area into another, then find they cannot remain in their new accommodation and that they have been struck off the housing list of their former area and cannot be accepted on the list of any other municipal authority; and whether he will circularise local authorities with a view to recommending the exercise of latitude in such cases.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I am asking the Housing Management Sub-Committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee to investigate the whole question of residential qualifications now required by certain local authorities from applicants for houses.

Mr. Sorensen

Do I take it that this answer covers the point in my other Question? May I ask the Minister again to give some indication when we can have a report on the matter, which is of great urgency?

Mr. Macmillan

Recent experience has shown that it would be good to refer back to this Committee the whole problem, on which they made a report some years ago. This point, together with wider issues, will be covered by their advice to me.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is there any arrangement to cover the case of a family which moves to another area only to find it is unable to get on to the waiting list in the new area and has lost its position in the list in the old area?

Mr. Macmillan

I cannot compel authorities to take any steps. The matter is much wider. I would like the Central Housing Advisory Committee, which does admirable work in this respect and carries great authority when it makes a report, to give me advice over the whole field.