HC Deb 01 April 1958 vol 585 cc1005-6
24. Mr. G. Jeger

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many deputations from local housing authorities have been received at his Department complaining of their inadequate housing allocations; and what proportion of these deputations has been met by the Minister himself or his Parliamentary Secretary.

Mr. H. Brooke

The answer to the first part of the Question is that 36 deputations have been received. In accordance with the procedure set out in Circular No. 54/57, 20 were seen by regional officers and 15 by officers in London.

The answer to the second part is "One."

Mr. Jeger

Is not it the custom for deputations accompanied or led by a Member of the House to be received either by the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary? In these matters, is not it rather degrading for the Minister and his Parliamentary Secretary to shelter, in a cowardly fashion, behind the bland and barren politeness of their civil servants?

Mr. Brooke

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not accuse me of any discourtesy; that is the last thing I would wish to show to him or to any hon. Member. I have the letter in front of me from the clerk of the urban district council which I think he has in mind, which spoke of a deputation to be received by officials. I received no request that it should be received either by me or by my Parliamentary Secretary.