§ 38. Mr. Gibsonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what new instructions have been issued recently to local authorities relating to requisitioned properties.
§ Mr. H. BrookeThe instructions I have issued are contained in Circular No. 30/57. published on 17th April. I am sending a copy to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the Minister aware that some of us have seen the reports which borough councils are now presenting about that circular? Is he aware that it is an instruction to borough councils in London, where the housing situation is still very bad, to take steps to end requisitioning by 1960 definitely, and that, furthermore, the order refers to the possible increases in rents which owners of requisitioned houses can obtain under the Rent Bill, which is not yet the law of the land? How can one justify that kind of thing to local representatives?
§ Mr. BrookeI was under pressure to get the circular out, and I wanted to do so as early as possible. I should have been open to criticism if I had waited to send it out until the Rent Bill actually became law. I am quite sure that all local authorities will do their utmost to comply with the advice in the circular.