§ 48. Mr. Mackieasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what liaison he has with Service Departments, British Railways, the National Coal Board, and other bodies providing housing for their employees.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI am not responsible for the provision of housing by any of the bodies mentioned, but I am always ready to give advice if it is sought.
§ Mr. MackieI take it that the Minister realises that these houses number several hundred thousand and that many of the bodies mentioned are allowing the houses to go out of use without notifying local authorities, with the result that they do not know their commitments. I 237 would have thought that there should have been some control when such a large number of houses is involved.
§ Mr. BrookeIt is the local authorities that have statutory functions in these matters. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, perhaps he would care to bring it to my notice and I will, of course, look into it.