§ 9. Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Fuel and Power if he will give a general direction to the National Coal Board that they should not fix rents for houses let to miners above the average of those charged by local authorities for equivalent houses in the corresponding area.
§ Mr. Geoffrey LloydNo, Sir. This is a question of management, which is the responsibility of the National Coal Board.
§ Mr. SnowThat form of answer was not exactly unexpected, owing to the fact that the right hon. Gentleman is inhibited from answering directly for the National Coal Board; but is he aware that on the newly created Pear Tree Estate at Rugeley the rentals are some 8s. a week more per house than for the equivalent house in the immediate vicinity? This is causing some dissatisfaction. Will he bring this matter to the attention of the National Coal Board?
§ Mr. LloydI am aware of the problems which the hon. Gentleman has mentioned. If he would be prepared to accept it, I should be prepared to give him some advice afterwards as to the best method of proceeding further.