HC Deb 12 July 1955 vol 543 cc1745-6
59. Mr. J. T. Hall

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what information is available to his Department regarding the rents fixed for local authority houses; and how such rents compare with rents fixed by corporations for new towns.

Mr. Sandys

Local authorities do not inform me of the rents they fix.

Mr. Hall

As there is very much concern in these new towns about the high rents which people are charged, would not the Minister devise some scheme to offset the hardship caused to those in the lower-income groups?

Mr. Sandys

I am not aware that the houses in the new towns are being let at rents which are in any way unfair.

Mr. D. Jones

Is the Minister aware that in the two new towns in the County of Durham a large number of people in the lower-income groups are called upon to pay rents of 35s. and £2 a week?