HC Deb 10 May 1967 vol 746 cc1487-8
22. Mr. Eadie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in view of recently announced Government policy on prices and incomes, he will now reconsider the proposal to have a new rent structure in new towns.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

The scheme of graduated rents introduced by the Scottish new town development corporations is not inconsistent with the Government's policy on prices and incomes.

Mr. Eadie

An entirely different rent structure exists in towns and burghs outside the new towns. Does not my hon. Friend agree that, by and large, many of these tenants take home the same wage packet every week?

Dr. Mabon

Several ad hoc surveys of earnings in some of the new towns in Scotland have been carried out. I do not know what the comparison is with other parts, but I suspect that in the new towns there are, generally, higher incomes than in the older communities. I should add that the increases will not be made before the end of the period of restraint. In Livingston, in my hon. Friend's constituency, there will be no increase till May, 1968, and, in particular, we have been most anxious to ensure that arrangements for graduation of rent will protect lower-paid tenants.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Does not my hon. Friend realise mat his reply seems to indicate an extraordinary degree of complacency? How is it possible to examine the rents in new towns in isolation from the problems of overspill, the problems of rent structures of all local authorities, and the rents now being charged under the Rent Acts in Glasgow and some other cities? Will he arrange for the Housing Advisory Committee to look into the whole problem of rents?

Dr. Mabon

My right hon. Friend is actively concerned about the level of rents in Scotland. He has been in discussion with the Scottish Special Housing Association, as its recent announcement shows, with the new towns, and also with various local authorities which, from time to time, have asked for advice about the prices and incomes policy. The fact remains that we have heavy deficits not only in the new towns but elsewhere, and these have to be faced.