HC Deb 03 March 1964 vol 690 c1109
16. Mr. Abse

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether, in view of the large number of marriages now taking place of men under 21 years of age, he will introduce legislation to enable local authorities to advance mortgages to those under 21 years of age who, having married, wish to purchase a house of their own.

Sir K. Joseph

This raises the general question whether a person under the age of 21 should be able to buy and hold land. My noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor and my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General have this matter under consideration.

Mr. Abse

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, despite the views of many self-acclaimed moralists, never in the history of British vital statistics has there been so high a proportion of been-agers getting married, and that there has been a fourfold increase since 1911? Is it not unfortunate that today even a young woman who marries someone over 21 in a society with an egalitarian family system is unable either to hold a vested interest in the house or jointly to share in the mortgage? Is it not high time that the Minister took some initiative? Does not his legalistic reply reveal the vapidity of the promises made by the Prime Minister yesterday to young people?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Sir K. Joseph

I did not want to waste the time of the House even by saying "No", but I will draw the point raised by the hon. Gentleman to my right hon. Friend's attention.