§ 8. Mr. Prenticeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs why he decided to close the Barking Rent Tribunal without first consulting neighbouring local authorities whose residents are affected; and what reply has been sent to the protest made to him by the East Ham Borough Council on this matter.
§ Mr. BrookeIt is not my normal practice to consult local authorities before arranging for the amalgamation of rent tribunal areas, but always the interests of local residents are carefully considered before any change is made. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply to the clerk of the East Ham Borough Council.
§ Mr. PrenticeDoes not the Minister think that this is a subject on which local authorities ought to be consulted, in view of the experience they gain of housing conditions in their areas and in view of their wide responsibilities in these matters? Will he consult the local authorities in this area about the possibility of the new tribunal holding local hearings in different parts of the area?
§ Mr. BrookeI have already told the House that the new tribunal will be prepared to hold local hearings if necessary. As to consulting the local authorities, 1111 since I have been the responsible Minister I have brought about no fewer than sixteen amalgamations of rent tribunals and there has been hardly any comment or criticism from the local authorities thereafter.