HC Deb 01 April 1958 vol 585 c1012
39. Mr. Weitzman

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether the equation of the overall supply and demand for homes forecast by him has now been attained; and if he will give the statistical basis upon which his answer is computed.

Mr. H. Brooke

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Poole (Captain Pilkington) on 19th November.

Mr. Weitzman

Does not the Minister agree that—to use the words of the Question— the equation of the overall supply and demand for homes if attained, was the basis of the justification for introducing the Rent Act? From the practical point of view, having regard to threatened evictions shown by the notices to quit served under the Rent Act, is not it clear that the figures given were completely fallacious?

Mr. Brooke

More than four years ago the right hon. Member for Ebbw Vale (Mr. Bevan) said that we were not very far from the amount of total accommodation that the nation would require.

Mr. Weitzman

Will not the Minister deal with this matter on a practical basis in view of the figures that he has given?