HC Deb 17 December 1968 vol 775 cc1157-8
23. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government when he intends to publish the Bill to implement the White Paper, Old Houses into New Homes; and, in view of tenants' resistance to the installing of bathrooms and lavatories which will arise from the proposal to take 400,000 improved homes out of control, if he will undertake to drop proposals for such decontrol.

Mr. Greenwood

The Bill to give effect to the White Paper, Old Houses into New Homes, will be introduced during this Session; until it is published I cannot add to the statements of policy in the White Paper.

Mr. Allaun

Have not Leigh, Salford and certain other cities improved tens of thousands of old houses under existing powers? Therefore, whilst welcoming the other proposals, may I ask why it is necessary to insist on this one which, by trebling rents, will bring improvements to a complete halt?

Mr. Greenwood

Because not enough has been done by way of improvements, nor have houses been improved to the high standard to which it will be possible to improve them under the terms of the White Paper. The important consideration is to strike a balance between giving adequate incentive to get the work done and avoiding undue hardship to tenants.

Mr. John Fraser

Is the Minister aware that in Norwood there have been many tragic deaths as a result of inadequate conversion to multiple occupation and that the Bill to deal with multiple occupation, as well as other matters, cannot come soon enough?

Mr. Greenwood

I agree with my hon. Friend. I hope that the proposals, when embodied in legislation, will at last bring multiple occupation under adequate control.