HC Deb 20 June 1967 vol 748 cc1387-8
5. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to disqualify contractors, estate agents or any persons who have financial dealings with local authorities, from membership of such bodies.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)

No, Sir. There are already statutory provisions to ensure that the financial interests of elected members do not conflict with their public duties.

Mr. Shaw

How does my hon. Friend square that with the answer he gave on 25th April concerning the civic rights of teachers?

Mr. MacColl

There is a lot of difference between being in permanent and continuous employment of a local authority and having an occasional contract with one.

Mr. Alan Lee Williams

Will my hon. Friend reconsider the whole question? Is he aware that in my constituency there is a great deal of public anxiety about the sale of certain parts of Hornchurch Airfield? I am not suggesting that there is corruption, but will my hon. Friend look into the question of introducing legislation in regard to estate agents?

Mr. MacColl

My right hon. Friend's tendency, as was the Maud Committee's, is not to increase the number of pecuniary interest tests but to make the legislation a little more sensible.