HC Deb 05 July 1962 vol 662 cc683-4
23. Mr. Cliffe

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he has studied the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Shore-ditch and Finsbury, relating to the concern felt by the Shore-ditch Metropolitan Borough Council, following the acquisition of the flats known as Hamilton Buildings, Shore-ditch, by an investment company regarding the shortage of residential accommodation in Shore-ditch; and what action he is taking in the matter.

Mr. Rippon

Yes, Sir, and a reply was sent to the hon. Member on 26th June. I can now confirm that the Shore-ditch Borough Council has resolved to make a compulsory purchase order on the property. My right hon. Friend cannot therefore make any further comment on the case.

Mr. Cliffe

May I have your Ruling on that, Mr. Speaker? May I make no comments at all, although this letter was written three weeks ago?

Mr. Speaker

This is Question Time. It is not a time for making comments. If the hon. Member likes to ask a supplementary question, I will gladly allow it.

Mr. Cliffe

Is the Minister aware that the block of flats which he now knows as Hamilton Buildings was recently bought by an investment company which then proceeded within a matter of two weeks of the purchase to give notice to quit to 17 decontrolled tenants and that —[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."]—it had seven vacant flats which would provide reasonable accommodation, and that when its agent was approached—[HON. MEMBERS: Speech."]—and asked to provide this accommodation, he said that the company intended to empty this site, to demolish the building and develop the site for commercial purposes? Surely that is not the intention of the Government.

Mr. Rippon

No doubt the facts, such as they were, induced the council to make the compulsory purchase order.

Mr. M. Stewart

Will the Parliamentary Secretary ask his right hon. Friend to bear in mind when considering this compulsory purchase order that there have been a good many events in East London lately obliging anyone who observes them to come to the conclusion that it is only by the increasing purchase of property by the municipality that we shall be able to provide people with accommodation at reasonable rents?

Mr. Rippon

I do not think that that generalisation follows from this case. I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend will deal with it, as always, on its merits.