§ 24. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will make a statement regarding the present Administration's policy on the decontrol of rents.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThere will no doubt be opportunities for discussing these matters in the course of further consideration of the Rent Bill.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the assurance given by the Vice-Chairman of the Hampstead Housing Committee, Councillor Mrs. Henry Brooke, to the effect that Amendments to this Bill will be made? In view of this knowledge, would it not be fair that the House should be informed at the earliest opportunity—now?
§ Mr. BrookeI notice that Councillor Mrs. Brooke, who is not Chairman of the Hampstead Housing Committee—
§ Mr. BlenkinsopVice-Chairman.
§ Mr. Brooke—but is Vice-Chairman, was incorrectly reported in the Press as saying that Amendments will be made. What she actually said in the course of debate was that this Bill has not yet reached the Statute Book, that it will be open to debate and that it may be that Amendments will be made before it receives the Royal Assent. I am prepared to endorse those very wise words.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopAs I have taken some trouble to check from those present at the debate the precise words used, may I ask whether it is not highly desirable that a statement should now be made to the House, at the first opportunity, as to the intentions of the Government with regard to this Bill?
§ Mr. BrookeI have checked with the lady in question, and I think that the statement that I have just made in answer to the hon. Member fulfils his request.