HC Deb 03 March 1964 vol 690 cc1119-21
22. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware of the decision of the Hendon Council not to use the power of compulsory purchase of a block of flats at Temple Fortune Mansions, Finchley Road, London, whose tenants are being asked by their landlords to pay increases of more than 100 per cent. in rent; and what action he will take in the matter.

Sir K. Joseph

I understand that the borough council has reached no decision in this matter but that discussions are taking place between the council and the landlords.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable anxiety among the tenants of these flats because the council has decided not to deal with this matter and come to a decision until 48 hours before the date is due for the tenants to decide whether they will pay the increased rent, amounting to more than 100 per cent., or accept the alternative of eviction? Is this not a case where the right hon. Gentleman ought to intervene in the interests of the tenants concerned?

Sir K. Joseph

No. I am satisfied that the council is taking such action as seems wise to it with all the knowledge of the facts.

Mr. Shinwell

Should not the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices to urge upon the council the need for coming to an early decision, so that the tenants have an opportunty of deciding which alternative they would accept?

Sir K. Joseph

I am sure that the council will note the right hon. Gentleman's comments.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the council not only takes note of what I am saying but of what he is saying?

Sir K. Joseph

I do not think that it can be expected, and it is not right for local government, that I should grandmother local authorities which are perfectly able to act in the defence of their inhabitants in the way they think best. The local authority is in touch with the situation here and is discussing it with the landlords.

Mr. Howie

Does the Minister recall that his attention was drawn to the fact that the chairman of the tenants' association here is in quite a special situation, in that he alone of all the tenants has been told that unless he redecorates his entire flat he will not be allowed a new lease when the date comes up?

Sir K. Joseph

I deprecate any victimisation of tenants' representatives. I am making further inquiries about this case.

Mr. M. Stewart

Although the Minister says that local authorities have power to deal with this kind of matter, does he not realise that this is not an isolated example and that the tenants in areas where the local authority is more sympathetic to landlords than tenants and will not use its powers are practically helpless, and that he has some responsibility for them?

Sir K. Joseph

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will send me details of any case that he has in mind.