HC Deb 31 January 1961 vol 633 cc755-6
15. Mr. C. Royle

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister far Welsh Affairs if he will take steps to amend the Local Govern- ment Act, 1933, Section 76, to make it possible for councillors who are tenants of the local authority to participate in discussion and vote on council house questions.

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir. Nor do I think that such a proposal would command general support.

Mr. Royle

Would not the Minister agree that experience has shown that the provisions relating to council tenants in this respect is quite different from those in relation to other types of contract coming within the Act; and that the circumstance mentioned by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget) in his Question last Tuesday proves how ridiculous it is to retain these provisions? Will not he look at this matter again?

Mr. Brooke

I really think that we should be careful in removing the barrier that at present exists in normal cases against councillors, whatever their party or background, speaking and voting on matters in which they have a pecuniary interest. As I think the House knows, a working party has been examining Section 76 of the Local Government Act and in due course I may be able to make a further statement, but I certainly cannot hold out any expectation at all that the whole disability ought to be lifted from council tenants in all circumstances. I think that that would be quite wrong.