HC Deb 18 June 1968 vol 766 cc894-6
22. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government approximately how many houses he expects to be removed from rent control under the proposals of the White Paper, "Old Houses into New Homes"; how many of these houses are already equipped with a bath, inside lavatory and hot water system; and over what period it is proposed to phase the ensuing rent increases.

Mr. MacColl

Our estimate is that after deducting dwellings in potential clearance areas about 200,000 let on controlled tenancies have the basic amenities and require less than £125 spending on repair. About an equal number might be brought up to a satisfactory state, but whether they are so brought up will depend on the success of the policy outlined in the White Paper. On the last part of the Question, I cannot at present add to what is said in the White Paper.

Mr. Allaun

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that he is in danger of spoiling a first-class plan by this proposal, which will actually slow down improvement, because of tenants' resistance? Would it not be ridiculous if a tenant actually decontrols himself because he would be putting a bathroom into his landlord's house?

Mr. MacColl

The proposals in the White Paper are there for discussion. One of the matters that has to be considered is the failure so far to get improvements in privately rented houses. That is the problem to which the White Paper has to address itself.

Mr. Lubbock

Would the hon. Gentleman admit that these figures are pure guesswork? Can he tell the House how long it will be before the results of a survey, about which he told me in correspondence earlier this year, on the number of controlled properties will become available?

Mr. MacColl

The hon. Genteman is not far off in saying that there is a good deal of speculation in these figures. The survey should be ready by the end of the year, but I would not like to commit myself, because I know how severe the hon. Gentleman will be if I am slightly out.

23. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what financial assistance, other than cheap loans, it is proposed to give local authorities towards the greatly increased compensation they will pay property owners under the slum clearance provisions of the White Paper, "Old Houses into New Homes".

Mr. Greenwood

The proposals in the White Paper should not result in local authorities needing assistance beyond that available under the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967.

Mr. Allaun

While welcoming fairer compensation for owner occupiers, may I ask whether it is not clear that the whole burden will fall upon local authorities, who are already having to pay £40,000 or more per acre for land in demolition areas?

Mr. Greenwood

The whole burden will not fall on the local authorities because of the subsidy system. Some will be borne by the Exchequer. The high cost per acre mentioned by my hon. Friend includes fit houses, public houses, shops, factories and other buildings of that kind. We have not received any objection from the local authority associations about the kind of burden which would fall upon them. I think it will be moderate and that in most cases local authorities will be happy to accept it.

Sir G. Nabarro

Is it not a fact that 50 per cent. of all increased costs of local authorities are due to excessively high interest rates resulting from the dear money policy of Her Majesty's Government, which goes on and on and on without diminution?

Mr. Greenwood

I am not certain that the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question arises from the original Question. Certainly the policy will go on until the economy is sound once again.