§ 39. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many houses are now let by local authorities in England and Wales, respectively; and what is the average rent charged in England and in Wales.
§ Mr. BrookeLocal authorities in England own about 3,200,000 houses for letting, and those in Wales and Monmouthshire about 185,000. The most recent information available about rents is that given in "Housing Statistics, 1959–60", published by the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants, which covers over nine-tenths of council houses in England and over three-quarters of those in Wales. According to this source the average rent in England in 1959-60 was about 20s. ld., and in Wales and Monmouthshire about 20s. 8d.. exclusive of rates in both cases.
§ Mr. GowerWhile no doubt there are cases of rather high rents, do not the figures indicate that the impact of rents in this country at present is often exaggerated?
§ Mr. BrookeYes, Sir. I think that probably there has been some rise in council renfs since the date of the figures.