HC Deb 13 December 1962 vol 669 cc554-5
28. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will discuss with local authority associations the problem arising when there is a dispute between two neighbouring authorities as to the responsibility for housing a particular family about whose residence there may be room for argument, with a view to the introduction of legislation for establishing machinery for settling by agreement, or in default of agreement, by arbitration, the authority which is to take responsibility.

Sir K. Joseph

If disputes of this kind arise, I would expect the authorities concerned to be capable of resolving them with good sense and good will. But if the right hon. Member will let me know of any case he has in mind, I will look into it.

Mr. Wilson

Is the Minister aware that in areas of chronic overcrowding, such as Merseyside, there are frequent cases where a husband is having to live apart from his wife, and with his parents, and the wife is living with her parents, and there is doubt as to where the real residence is; and that this leads to the first local authority striking them from its housing list and they get no priority and have to wait many years before securing accommodation from the second local authority?

Sir K. Joseph

I realise how unsatisfactory this can be. I hope that local authorities will sort it out for themselves. Only if it appears that they are unable to do so would I contemplate a general scheme.

29. Mr. H. Wilson

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the growing number of cases of Merchant Navy men, Service men and others who have applied for the allocation of a house by a local authority, but who find after years on the housing list that they are disqualified on residence grounds, particularly where one or other member of the family resides with parents in a neighbouring area; and whether he will take appropriate steps to see that on transfer to the housing list of a neighbouring authority they do not lose seniority.

Sir K. Joseph

It is not the practice of local authorities to inform me of individual applications for tenancies. Housing authorities were advised in 1955 not to insist on a residential qualification for sailors, soldiers and airmen returning to civil life in areas where they have occupation or family connections. The great majority of authorities are understood to have adopted this advice.

Mr. Wilson

I am aware of the Circular of 1955. Does that cover a Merchant Navy case as well as a Service case?

Sir K. Joseph

Yes. But perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will send me the details of this case.