HC Deb 08 May 1962 vol 659 cc208-9
30. Mr. Fernyhough

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what was the average rent, inclusive of rates, of two-and three-bedroomed council houses in 1951 and 1961, respectively.

Mr. Rippon

The average rent received for local authorities' dwellings in England and Wales in 1960–61 was approximately 21s. exclusive of rates.

I regret that we have not the information to give separate figures for two-and three-bedroomed houses or a represesentative figure for 1950–51.

Mr. Fernyhough

Is it not possible that the Minister was not very anxious to find the information I was seeking because it would have been such an embarrassment to his Government?

Mr. Rippon

Since 1951, as the hon. Member will appreciate, we have greatly improved the statistics at our disposal.