§ 19. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities have initiated, or have become associated with, a plan similar to that in which the borough of Leyton has co-operated with contigous local authorities in dealing with families needing housing accommodation, but who have heretofore suffered a disadvantage through removal from one area to another, and thus have lost long-period residential qualification.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI am not aware of any other scheme similar to that in South-West Essex, in which, I understand, eight local authorities are co-operating.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that this is an excellent plan? What is he doing to commend it to local authorities and encourage its adoption in other parts of the country, particularly in view of the very great hardship suffered by numbers 16 of people who are at the moment on no housing list and who therefore feel hopeless?
§ Mr. BrookeThis is a very interesting scheme. I would remind the hon. Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) that, in the Report on Residential Qualifications which was sent to them in 1955, local authorities were recommended to consult together and consider the transfer of applications from one list to another when an applicant leaves an area.
§ Mr. SorensenWill not the Minister draw attention to this particular venture in South-West Essex?
§ Mr. BrookeI think that the hon. Gentleman's Question will probably have a considerable effect in that direction.