HC Deb 29 January 1963 vol 670 c735
10. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the movement of redundant workers is being halted by the Rent Act, which decontrols houses on a change of tenant, making it difficult for those going to new jobs elsewere to find homes at rents they can afford; and if he will take steps to amend this section of the Act.

Sir K. Joseph

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cardiff, West (Mr. G. Thomas) on 22nd January.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Minister aware that if he thinks that this is not happening he is quite out of touch with ordinary working people who cannot afford to go to a house at three times the rent they were paying before? Is he also aware that the Labour Party has decided to reintroduce control on houses which may change hands and also to restore control to houses which have become decontrolled under the Rent Act?

Sir K. Joseph

This is a very difficult problem, but surely the hon. Gentleman must accept that if we put back a control on houses it will in general lead to an increase of owners selling those houses when they become vacant and thus reducing the accommodation becoming available to let.

Mr. Allaun

What is the point of renting them if they are going to rent them at rents which are inflated to such an extent? This is of no advantage.

Sir K. Joseph

The problem would be even worse if there were a smaller pool of accommodation to let even at present rents.