§ 37. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the negotiations between the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee and the London Electricity Board for the introduction of an assisted wiring scheme for the benefit of tenants have broken down; and whether, in the circumstances, he will introduce legislation to meet the hardship suffered by tenants of premises where the electric wiring is defective and the landlord refuses to cure the defect.
§ Mr. SandysIt is not clear to me what change in the law the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. FletcherIs not the Minister aware that to change the law might do something to remove the very considerable hardship existing at present?
§ Mr. SandysThe hon. Member has done no more than repeat his Question again. What I should like to know is in what way he would like the hardship to be alleviated; but as the rules of order do not permit him to give information, he will have to remain silent.
§ Mr. MitchisonIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practical hardship is that many tenants cannot pay for better wiring when it is needed? Is there nothing that he can do about it?
§ Mr. SandysThe hon. and learned Gentleman still has not indicated what reform he has in mind. Does he suggest that the landlords should pay, that the local authorities should pay, that the Exchequer should pay, or that the Electricity Board should pay?
§ Mr. FletcherIf I give the Minister a detailed explanation of what I propose, will he look at the matter sympathetically?
§ Mr. SandysI will certainly closely study any suggestions put forward by the hon. Gentleman.