HC Deb 03 March 1964 vol 690 cc1121-2
25. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs how many compulsory purchase orders for housing purposes in the London County Council area were submitted to him during the past year; and how many he confirmed.

Sir K. Joseph

In 1963, 160 orders were submitted and 96 were confirmed, including 39 of those submitted in 1963. 114 of the 160 had not been decided at the end of the year.

Mr. Lipton

Why is the Minister so lukewarm and dilatory about helping local authorities to acquire properties by compulsory purchase? Is he not aware that tenants in London are suffering more extortion and victimisation than ever before, largely due to the Rent Act, 1957, and Government policy? When will he take the prompt and decisive action required to help tenants in great distress instead of fobbing us off with more committees? He has announced two more committees today. When will he do something to relieve the terrible state of affairs which has grown up in London and from which many tenants are suffering undue hardship?

Sir K. Joseph

One-third of the compulsory purchase orders were submitted on account of excessive rents and I am taking on average 13 weeks to make a decision on these. The other two-thirds relate either to slum clearance or to the general acquisition of houses by local authorities, raising very complicated legal issues, and I am taking on average 32 weeks to decide these in view of all the interests involved.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a special difficulty arises in cases where a compulsory purchase order relates to a house whose landlord is abusing his position under the Rent Act, in that cases are apt to go to court while the consideration is going on and that a possession order may be granted to the landlord, so that by the time the Minister comes to decide, he rejects the application since to do otherwise would flout the decision of the court? Will he lock into this question and deal expeditiously with such cases in order to assist local authorities to protect tenants from this type of landlord?

Sir K. Joseph

If the hon. Gentleman would help me by sending me any case of which he is aware, I would certainly look into it.

Mr. Lipton

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment as soon as possible.