HC Deb 12 March 1963 vol 673 cc1168-9
Q1. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Prime Minister whether the public speech on leasehold and rents made by the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs at his Press conference in Cardiff on Saturday, 23rd February, 1963, represents the policy of Her Majesty's Government.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)

My right hon. Friend did not make a speech on the occasion to which the hon. Member refers. He answered questions from the Press.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Prime Minister aware that he is singularly ill-informed and that the Minister made several comments concerning leasehold and high rents? Does he approve of the statement of the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs rejecting the proposal which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition had made the night before for a measure of leasehold enfranchisement, and does he approve his right hon. Friend's statement approving the high rents now being charged because of the 1957 Rent Act?

The Prime Minister

I understand that my right hon. Friend answered a number of questions and I am sure that in doing so he stated Government policy.

Mr. Thomas

Will the Prime Minister tell me whether he approves of the complete rejection of any measure of leasehold enfranchisement?

The Prime Minister

Whether that question was among the questions I am not fully informed, but I am quite sure that the statement made by my right hon. Friend was a statement of Government policy.

Mr. H. Wilson

Since the Prime Minister has now twice said that what the right hon. Gentleman said was Government policy on leasehold reform, would the Prime Minister tell us what Government policy is for ending the leasehold system?

The Prime Minister

I understand that the question of possible evictions was raised and that my right hon. Friend pointed out that, except where there were development possibilities, lessees were amply protected under the 1954 legislation.

Mr. Box

Would my right hon. Friend use any influence which he may have with the Leader of the Opposition and ask him to persuade the four Socialist-controlled councils in the immediate vicinity of Cardiff which have consistently refused to sell freeholds to sitting leasehold occupiers⤔[Interruption.]

The Prime Minister

I will do what I can through the usual channels.

Mr. Denis Howell

Is not the Prime Minister aware that when my Leasehold Bill was before the House recently it was a Cabinet decision not to do anything to help these people and not to deal with the point raised by the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Box) which was covered by my Bill?

The Prime Minister

That is rather wider than the original Question.