§ 32. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what arrangements have been made for the distribution to tenants of forms prescribed under the Rent Act to assist them in making their statements of disrepair to landlords and local authorities.
§ Mr. H. BrookeTenants as well as landlords should themselves obtain any 21 forms they need for purposes of the Rent Act. The questions and answers booklet entitled "The Rent Act and You", published by H.M.S.O., contains a list of the prescribed forms and also states that they can be bought at the principal booksellers and stationers. In addition I have asked local authorities, by circular, to compile a list of places in their areas where the forms can be bought.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDid not the right hon. Gentleman promise the House that forms and other assistance would be made available to tenants? Why does not he make the forms available in gross, as it were, to local authorities for distribution free to tenants, because it is the right hon. Gentleman who is forcing tenants to take this action?
§ Mr. BrookeThe hon. Gentleman will find that we are following precedent. A great deal of trouble has been taken to make the forms as simple as possible. I believe that is the direction in which we can help most.
§ Mr. J. HyndAs legislation already provides that information about the procedure for obtaining certificates of disrepair should be included in all rent books, is the Minister taking steps to include in rent books the modifications to the Regulations under the new legislation?
§ Mr. BrookeI do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman has studied the new Regulations. I think that is the first thing to do.