§ 30. Mr. John Harveyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what discussions he has held with the Greater London Council on the basis of paragraph 41 of the Housing Programme 1965–70, Command Paper No. 2838.
§ Mr. MellishNone so far. My right hon. Friend intends to start discussions with the local authority associations and the Greater London Council shortly.
§ Mr. HarveyMay I ask the hon. Gentleman to expedite these discussions in view of the seriousness of the matter?
§ Mr. MellishWe certainly will have discussions with them very soon.
§ 31. Mr. John Harveyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Govern- 1088 ment how the Greater London Council's rejection of the advice given in paragraph 41 of the Housing Programme 1965–1970. Command Paper No. 2838, will affect that programme, in view of the fact that the Council controls nearly a quarter of a million council dwellings.
§ Mr. MellishMy right hon. Friend is not aware that the G.L.C. has rejected his advice. In principle its social aid scheme is in line with the White Paper.
§ Mr. HarveyWill the hon. Gentleman at least make quite sure that what he thinks is the case is the case, because otherwise fewer houses are likely to be built, and would it not be true, therefore, that the necessity to cater for the real need would be diminished?
§ Mr. MellishThere is a fundamental difference of opinion between the two sides of the House. My right hon. Friend is determined that he will only have discussions with local authorities on the implementation of a rent rebate scheme. We are opposed to a differential rent scheme. The present scheme of the G.L.C. is a rent rebate scheme, and in that sense therefore we favour it.