HC Deb 22 May 1968 vol 765 cc507-8
6. Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland in the light of the report of the National Board for Prices and Incomes on rents of local authority houses, what steps he intends taking to encourage local authorities to raise rents to a reasonable level and so reduce the burden on the rates.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Dr. Dickson Mabon)

My right hon. Friend has always encouraged local authorities to fix rents at a reasonable level. The principles for determining rents proposed in the Board's report will be discussed with the local authority associations.

Mr. Galbraith

How much longer will the hon. Gentleman continue with this double-talk? Is he in favour of higher rents or not? Why cannot he come out fearlessly, as the Church has done, in favour of rents which charge people what they can afford? Is he aware that the present system of indiscriminate subsidy is grossly unfair to the community, and prevents wealthier people from providing houses for themselves? Will he do something about it and not just talk?

Dr. Mabon

Assuming that the hon. Gentleman is not being hypocritical and reviewing his own record, we can only conclude that his Government colleagues at the time prevented him from doing what he is now preaching to us. I can only say that the report has been received quite recently. There are five important principles in it which have to be discussed by the local authority associations. We must give these associations respect —the hon. Gentleman used to have respect for them—and we must allow these discussions to continue.

Dr. Miller

Is my hon. Friend aware that while there is no objection to increasing rents up to a reasonable level, the object is not to decrease the burden on the rates but rather that the money should be used for other social services which are absolutely necessary in the cities?

Dr. Mabon

I agree. It would repay every hon. Member to re-read the N.B.P.I. report, particularly the five principles I have mentioned.

Mr. G. Campbell

Will the Secretary of State fully compensate by grant the ratepayers of any local authority who will have to pay increased rates because rent schemes have had to be altered?

Dr. Mabon

The hon. Gentleman ought to have accepted my admonition which I gave in general terms and now give to him personally. There are five important principles to be studied by the local authorities, individuals and by hon. Members. The answer is contained within a good study of these principles.