HC Deb 08 March 1955 vol 538 cc125-7
6. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what powers local authorities have to vary the terms of Circular No.42 of 4th May, 1954; and what steps he takes to ensure uniformity throughout the country in the implementation of the provisions of this circular.

Mr. Deedes

The circular makes it clear that approval will be forthcoming to the two guarantee schemes outlined in Appendix II. My right hon. Friend is also prepared to consider sympathetically applications for his approval to any similar schemes that local authorities may care to submit. He does not think uniformity on guarantees is essential. Some uniformity is desirable, however, in the conditions applying to advances by local authorities for house purchase.

Mr. Wyatt

Is the Minister aware that, alone of all the councils in the Midlands, the Sutton Coldfield Town Council is not complying with the recommendations of the Ministry, and is declining to approve loans to working-class people from working-class districts of Birmingham, whilst allowing them to other persons from more fashionable areas.

Mr. Deedes

The main point made by the hon. Member arises out of a subsidiary question. Broadly speaking, the circular is often made the subject of conferences in all the counties concerned. In order to get some kind of uniformity they have county conferences, and these have produced satisfactory results.

7. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what reply he has received from the Sutton Coldfield Council concerning the advice he gave it in his Circular No. 42, of May, 1954.

Mr. Deedes

The council has informed my right hon. Friend that it proposes to restrict its liability for guarantees to building societies to that part of the advance which is in excess of 75 per cent. of the value of the property.

Mr. Wyatt

Is the Minister aware that in several cases, after a building society has approved an advance and the valuation, and after the applicant has paid survey fees, the council, meeting in secret, has nevertheless suddenly declined to proceed any further with the application, on the ground that the persons concerned are working-class people whom they do not want in the smart area of Sutton Coldfield?

Mr. Deedes

Perhaps the hon. Member can let me have particulars of any instances which he has in mind.