§ 24. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what steps he proposes to take to safeguard tenants of decontrolled houses, who request the installation of a bath, inside water closet or hot water system, from eviction by their landlords.
§ Sir K. JosephDetails of the scheme for compulsory improvement are now being worked out, and I think it is best to see the whole scheme before debating particular points.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes not the danger of tenants being deterred from seeking improvements through fear of eviction point to a serious weakness in the Minister's recent proposals? Would it not be better if the initiative in seeking improvements were placed firmly in the hands of local authorities? Alternatively, would the right hon. Gentleman consider restoring protection, or control to tenants who seek the permission of local authorities for improvements, as under the rent tribunal procedure?
§ Sir K. JosephI think that the hon. Member misjudges the attitude of very nearly every landlord, but the point he is making will be borne in mind.
§ Mr. M. StewartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many tenants who are very worried about repairing serious sanitary defects in their homes because they expect that the result of their so doing will be eviction, and that this fear is widespread?
§ Sir K. JosephNo. I am not aware of that, but the point will be borne in mind.