Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954 (Repaired Houses)

HC Deb 13 November 1956 vol 560 cc742-3

36. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing Local Government his estimate of the approximate number of houses repaired up to a recent date under the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954.

Mr. Powell

There is insufficient statistical information on which to base a reliable estimate.

Mr. Allaun

Does the Minister not agree that precious little repair work has been done? Is it not the case that few of the 5½ million tenants whose rents are now likely to be raised will benefit by a single extra pennyworth of repairs?

Mr. Powell

Oh, no. Even though statistical evidence is not available, it is quite clear that in a great many cases advantage has been taken of the provisions of the 1954 Act.

Mr. Lindgren

Would the Parliamentary Secretary not agree that had the 1954 Act been effective, the legislation which is now contemplated would not have been required?

Mr. Powell

The hon. Member is anticipating the debate on the Rent Bill