HC Deb 21 January 1959 vol 598 cc176-7
15. Mrs. Jeger

asked the Postmaster-General how many units of residential accommodation are owned by the Post Office; in how many cases the rent of the tenants has been increased; and what steps he, as landlord, has taken to ensure the satisfactory condition of the properties.

Mr. K. Thompson

Tenancies in residential accommodation owned or leased by the Post Office number about 1,000. In most cases increased rents become payable on 1st March next or at later dates. We have the whole question of the condition of these properties under discussion with the Ministry of Works, who act as our agent in this matter.

Mrs. Jeger

Can the hon. Member tell the House why his Department issues to tenants demands for rent increases before ascertaining the condition of these properties? Is he aware that some of the properties in my constituency are in such a disgraceful condition that if they had been owned by a private landlord they would have been eligible for a certificate of disrepair? Why is he sheltering behind Crown immunity in this case?

Mr. Thompson

I have no desire to shelter behind anything. The issue of notices affecting the rents of all these properties, together with a great many owned by other Government Departments, was a very big operation. To have everything moving forward on a number of fronts at the same time is very complicated. Where we find that the condition of the property does not justify the rent increase, or where specific repairs are needed to put the property in good condition, then we will behave as a good landlord should.

Mrs. Jeger

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.