HC Deb 13 November 1968 vol 773 cc402-3
39. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he is aware that ex-Royal Air Force men, after 30 years' service and living mostly in married quarters, are unable to get favourable consideration on local government housing lists; and if he will consult with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, with a view to introducing legislation, to give priority to such men at the end of their service.

Mr. Reynolds

I recognise that men leaving the Services require special consideration if they are to obtain council housing. The Ministry of Housing and Local Government have issued advice to local authorities that they should waive residential qualification requirements for ex-Servicemen in certain circumstances, and the whole question has been referred to a Sub-Committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee which is currently reviewing the practice of housing authorities in allocating tenancies. Any question of legislation must of course await the report of this Committee.

Sir C. Osborne

What notice are local authorities taking of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government on this recommendation? Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise that especially R.A.F. men, who have to spend much time abroad, are penalised when the local authority says that they are not on the housing list and these men cannot get on to it? Cannot he do something for them?

Mr. Reynolds

As a result of the Circular sent out by the then Minister of Housing and Local Government in 1965, when a mere handful of housing authorities throughout England and Wales and some in Scotland were operating the arrangement whereby a man can get his name on the housing list before he leaves the Service and does not have to have a residential qualification in the area, I am advised that now the vast majority of authorities, particularly those in Service areas, are doing a great deal in this respect.

Mr. Roy Hughes

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that this difficult position arises partially from the diminishing stock of council houses due to their sale by Conservative-controlled authorities?

Mr. Reynolds

That could be the case in some areas.