§ 38. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what communications he has had from the Rugby Borough Council and Rugby Rural District Council regarding a dispensation to councillors who are council house tenants to speak and vote in housing debates; and what answer he has given.
§ Mr. PowellTwo applications for the removal of disability for discussion on specific occasions have been received in the case of the rural district council, and three in the case of the borough. These applications were all granted; one of the applications from the borough related also to voting, and dispensation for this was likewise granted.
My right hon. Friend had previously received, in respect of each authority, an application for a general dispensation, which it was beyond his powers under the Statute to give.
§ Mr. JohnsonDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary see that for a councillor, when he is a council tenant, to vote on a matter affecting thousands of other council tenants is not the same as that councillor voting on a personal matter affecting his own pocket and his own business? In my borough, where there is a slight anti-Socialist majority, this ruling has affected the voting on a controversial differential rents scheme. Will not the Minister give special dispensation in cases where this ruling affects the welfare of thousands of families?
§ Mr. PowellThis exact question has been fully covered by my right hon. Friend in a circular which he issued to local authorities on 15th May, and of which I will send a copy to the hon. Member.