HC Deb 22 January 1957 vol 563 cc12-4
9. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what approach he has received from the Trades Union Congress concerning the Rent Bill; and the nature of his reply.

Mr. H. Brooke

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the letter which my predecessor received from the Trades Union Congress, and of his reply.

Mr. Lewis

Can the Minister say whether the T.U.C. is in favour of this Bill or against it? And may I ask him whether the revolt of the Tory Members who went to see him during the Recess has been instigated by the T.U.C. and those Members who have been to see him are now speaking up on behalf of the workers for the first time in the history of this Parliament?

Mr. Brooke

I have not met any revolting Tory Members.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Are we to understand that if the Minister does meet them he will withdraw the Bill?

15. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what reply he has sent to the protest against the provisions of the Rent Bill which was sent to him on 2nd January by the Finsbury Borough Council.

Mr. H. Brooke

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply sent to the Town Clerk.

Mr. Collins

Is the Minister aware that his reply ignores the fact that among privately rented houses in Finsbury one in three will be decontrolled under this Bill, and that the tenants of most of the remainder will have rent increases of more than £1 a week? Will he not look into the special position in the Metropolis and other large cities in order to avoid the unbelievable misery which his Bill will inflict upon the people?

Mr. Brooke

I am a London Member myself, and I hope that I shall keep the special problems of London in my mind throughout the discussions in Standing Committee.

Mr. Hale

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this question of housing is of vital interest to every Member? Does he realise that this is the third occasion today on which he has, quite contrary to all principle, announced that he is sending a private communication to a Member about a matter on which every one of us would like to be informed? I do not know what the Minister has said to the Finsbury Borough Council, and I should like to know. Is he further aware that, in a previous statement, he has refused to give figures which he has in his possession, and that it has always been the practice up to now to give such figures as are available up to the date of asking the Question?

Mr. Brooke

I can certainly inform the House that a letter was sent to the Town Clerk of Finsbury stating that The Government, however, believe that the measures provided in the Bill will prevent many thousands of houses from being allowed to decay before their time; and that the Bill will make far more houses available for letting which might otherwise, as at present, be held for sale with vacant possession.