HC Deb 16 December 1958 vol 597 cc942-3
22. Mr. Frank

Allaun asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if, in the light of his recent circular to local authorities encouraging a revival of councilhouse building, he will consider restoring the housing subsidies removed earlier.

Mr. H. Brooke

No, Sir.

Mr. Allaun

Will the Minister reconsider that Answer? Is he aware that since he ended the subsidy on most types of houses many cities have been forced to confine their housing purely to rehousing slum clearance tenants, leaving thousands of families in tragic circumstances, sometimes with three children in their late 'teens and mixed sexes sharing the same bedroom, and with young families waiting ten years on the housing list with no chance of getting a house, with even serious health cases unable to get a house? Will he reconsider the matter?

Mr. Brooke

The Government have been responsible for far more housing progress than their predecessors. Local authorities should be well able to continue to build the new houses which they require provided that they subsidise only those tenants who need subsidising and only to the extent of the need.

Mr. Mitchison

I remind the right hon. Gentleman that there was a war from 1939 to 1945. If he wants to restore the rate of building for general need to a reasonable level, is he not aware that there is no other way than by restoring the housing subsidy, and that to do otherwise is to deprive many young people of the chance of getting a house of their own?

Mr. Brooke

Many local authorities can overcome their financial difficulties in housing by ceasing to subsidise people who do not need subsidy.

Mr. Shinwell

Would it not be better, from the Government's standpoint, to provide subsidy to enable local authorities to build more of these houses than to pay unemployment benefit to the many building workers who are unemployed?

Mr. Brooke

I have just said, with reference to a circular which was criticised by hon. Members opposite a moment ago, that I am encouraging local authorities to get on with houses which they can put out quickly to tender.