§ 8. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the special problem confronting certain local authorities in areas where the National Coal Board owns housing estates and has recently decided to issue notices to quit to tenants who have left the mining industry; and if he will convene a conference composed of representatives of his Department, the National Coal Board, and local authorities concerned, for the purpose of working out a concerted policy to deal with the problem.
§ Sir K. JosephThe hon. Member is no doubt referring to the position in the Newcastle-under-Lyme area about which he has recently written to my right hon. Friend. No representations have been received from the local authorities concerned, but my right hon. Friend is looking into the matter further and will be writing to the hon. Member very shortly.
§ Mr. SwinglerWill the hon. Gentleman take note of the fact that he will be certainly receiving representations from local authorities which have not written yet because they do not know the size of the problem? However, it is clear that the problem is exceptional and that it might have the effect of considerably putting back the housing lists in such localities. Will the hon. Gentleman therefore consider the matter urgently and sympathetically?
§ Sir K. JosephI appreciate the hon. Gentleman's concern on the figures that he may have, but my information is that only one case is urgent and that the council concerned is reviewing that at its next meeting.
§ Mr. MacCollIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this matter is not confined to the Newcastle-under-Lyme area? It is found in any area where there are tied houses. Is he also aware that, where local authorities have stopped building for general needs as a result of the Government's policy, it is particularly difficult for them to find accommodation for displaced people?
§ Sir K. JosephI understand that there is very close co-operation between the local authorities concerned and the National Coal Board. As I have said, my right hon. Friend is looking into the whole matter.