HC Deb 18 July 1963 vol 681 cc716-7
34. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, if he will give special help to the borough of Willesden to deal with the cost of rehousing cases of eviction due to the Rent Act.

Sir K. Joseph

The rehousing of homeless families is part of the normal responsibilities of a housing authority, and Exchequer subsidies are already available to help with new building. The borough council has not represented to me that it is in need of special help.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Minister concede that in the housing problem there are areas of acute shortage which need special consideration? Does he recall that we had to rehouse 74 hardship—mostly eviction—cases in the last 12 months and that we have spent £154,644 for that purpose? In addition to the provisions which he has already mentioned, of which we are aware, will the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration to areas like Willesden?

Sir K. Joseph

The point is that the subsidies are best directed to building new houses. I understand that Willesden has managed to buy over 100 houses for the sort of purpose the hon. Gentleman has in mind.

Mr. Pavitt

There is no opportunity to put new houses in Willesden because there is no land on which to erect them. Will the right hon. Gentleman give special consideration?

Sir K. Joseph

That is why the London Government Bill gives great prospects to places like Willesden.