§ 15. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take such action as will ensure that, for the next six months, there shall be no increase in the price of the goods and services coming within the control of his Department, and further to ensure that local authorities are not compelled to increase rents and other services within their control due to Government action, so as to assist in curbing the present inflationary spiral.
§ Mr. SandysI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Supply. As regards the rents of council houses, the Government's policy was fully explained in the debates on the Housing Subsidies Act.
§ Mr. LewisI heard the earlier reply. It was no good at all. Is the Minister aware that the council rents to which he has referred are going up and will go up? Can he now give us an assurance that, when he comes to deal with the Rent Restriction Acts, no action will be taken on his part to increase rents, so as to assist in curbing the inflationary spiral? May I have an answer to that question?
§ Mr. SandysI understand that the statement of policy recently issued by the Labour Party—
§ Mr. Sandys—involved the transfer of all privately-owned rent-controlled houses to local councils. The first effect would be, of course, to put up the rents all round.
§ Mr. MitchisonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that that expression of opinion arises out of an insufficient perusal of the proposals and insufficient understanding of what they are?
§ Mr. LewisIn view of the difficulty confronting people in housing and the unsatisfactory nature of the replies given to me, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.