HC Deb 26 March 1963 vol 674 cc1108-9
14. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what study he has made of the evidence sent to him of the shortage of accommodation, based on a survey; and if, in view of this fresh evidence, he will seek to amend the Rent Act in order to reduce the hardship involved.

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that the hon. Member has in mind the report from Family Service Units. This confirmed what is well known—that not enough cheap rented accommodation is available in London for everyone who would like to live here. As I explained in my recent White Paper, I am seeking both to increase the supply of houses for Londoners and to reduce the demand. The reimposition of rent control would only reduce the supply and, therefore, increase the difficulties of those looking for somewhere to live.

Mr. Allaun

Does not this survey by Family Service Units show that after visiting 78 London estate agents the researchers could find practically no accommodation for a father, mother and three children at less than £6 a week? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what such a family can do? What can it do?

Sir K. Joseph

I am not denying that this situation—which we knew before this report confirmed it—is very disquieting, That is why the Government propose to accelerate the building of houses, particularly by public authorities, for Londoners. But the fact remains that there are more than 500,000 local authority subsidised houses for just such people as those mentioned by the hon. Gentleman. It is on the turnover of tenants in these houses that such people must count. Nevertheless, we are trying to increase the stock as quickly as possible.

Mr. M. Stewart

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that it was claimed that the Rent Act would enable the supply and demand for houses to be equated at reasonable prices? We have now had six years of the Rent Act, which has not done it and shows no signs of doing it.

Sir K. Joseph

The Act has successfully enabled 80 per cent. of the houses that have been let to continue to be let when the tenants leave them. Before the Act was passed, all such houses were immediately sold, and this reduced the stock of available accommodation for letting.