§ 26. Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many local authorities have increased their council house rents during the period of severe restraint; by what approximate percentage have these rents been increased; what means he has for identifying these authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MellishI am afraid that comprehensive information is not available as local authorities are not asked to notify the Ministry of changes in rents during the period of severe restraint.
§ Mr. BiffenIs this not an extraordinary Answer? Is the hon. Member aware that there is widespread concern about the movement of council house rents, and that this concern is not confined to my side of the House but certainly includes the hon. Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. R. C. Mitchell)? As we want the prices and incomes policy to be seen to operate fairly and not in an arbitrary manner, will the Minister seek to fill this gap in his knowledge?
§ Mr. MellishRent fixing is a matter for local authorities, and my right hon. Friend has no power to interfere. We have had discussions with local authority associations on the whole question of housing revenue accounts and the procedures which the local authorities have to follow, and also the guidance given to them about this. As for the rent level, the amount needed to balance local authorities' accounts is a matter for them. They have a duty to the ratepayers to balance their accounts.
§ Mr. SpriggsWhat is my hon. Friend prepared to do about it?
§ Mr. MellishThe straight answer to such a straight question is the Housing Subsidies Bill, which will be law in a few weeks and is back-dated to November, 1965.