§ 1. Mr. Winnickasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action his Department intends to take on the recent report on housing in Notting Hill.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government (Mr. Anthony Greenwood)Responsibility for action on the issues with which the Report deals rests in the first instance with the Council of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea as primary housing authority.
I met representatives of the Council and of the Greater London Council on 11th June to discuss the steps to be taken following this report. A programme for action is now being formulated. The Ministry's officers are in continuing contact with the officers of the two authorities, and I shall be meeting the representatives of both councils again to review progress.
§ Mr. WinnickI am grateful for that answer. Is my right hon. Friend aware that throughout the country Notting Hill is associated with slums, rent racketeering and borough council indifference? If the council refuses to take any action, would the Ministry step in and take direct housing powers in view of this notorious London scandal?
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have had constructive discussions with the Royal Borough and with the G.L.C. It is being a little pessimistic to assume that failure will attend the activities of the council; but I shall certainly bear my hon. Friend's remarks in mind.