Controlled Houses (Rents)

HC Deb 23 October 1968 vol 770 cc1266-7

21. Mr. Galbraith

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for reviewing the rent of controlled houses.

Dr. Dickson Mabon

In the White Paper, The Older Houses in Scotland—A Plan for Action, my right hon. Friend announced proposals to extend the "fair rent" system to controlled houses which are improved with grant assistance, or which are already in good repair and have the basic amenities.

Mr. Galbraith

Does that mean that the Government now recognise that out of controlled rent it is impossible to maintain houses in a safe condition and that to this extent the storm damage last January has had one good effect?

Dr. Mabon

Irrespective of the storm damage, it was our intention following the publication of the Cullingworth Report to produce the Bill which I hope that we shall produce next Session and to which the White Paper is a prelude. This Government, unlike the Tory Government, have accepted the need for this Bill.