§ 21. Mr. David Jamesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will introduce legislation to prohibit advertisements of houses to let which mention a bar against children.
Dr. HillI do not think that such legislation would help to solve the problem the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. JamesIs my right hon. Friend aware that this discrimination against people who commit the crime of having children is nauseating? Is he aware that, while in a free society people must be free to let their houses to whom they please, at least we should not underwrite the practice to which the Question refers but should show our disapproval by making it impossible to advertise the fact?
Dr. HillI have great sympathy with the basis of my hon. Friend's supplementary question but his suggestion is that these words should be forbidden in advertisements. I fear that if they were so forbidden couples might well waste much time answering advertisements only to be told that children would not be allowed. The basic problem is the provision of more houses and not more legislation.
§ Mr. M. StewartWill the right hon. Gentleman notice that he is now getting from behind him evidence of one of the results of the Rent Act?