HC Deb 25 June 1969 vol 785 cc1470-1
2. Mr. Onslow

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what assistance his Department is giving to the Housing Management Sub-Committee of the Central Housing Advisory Committee in its review of local authority practice in allocating council houses, with particular reference to the housing needs of ex-servicemen.

Mr. Boyden

My Department has submitted a written memorandum to the subcommittee on the housing needs of ex-servicemen. I would also refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of Defence for Equipment on the forces assisted house purchase scheme on Tuesday, 24th June.—[Vol. 785, c. 250.]

Mr. Onslow

Does the memorandum include specific case histories of the kind of case about which the Minister and I have corresponded in recent years? May I take this opportunity of renewing my offer to come and talk to him about these cases to see what I can do to help?

Mr. Boyden

On the last part, yes, I shall be pleased to see the hon. Gentleman. On the first part, it was a general statement regarding how we should like local authorities to deal with Service people on the basis of housing need, as they do with every other applicant.

Mr. Rippon

I welcome the statement which was made yesterday, but could the hon. Gentleman say how well the local authorities are co-operating in providing houses for Regular ex-Servicemen who obtain employment in their areas and whom the Government have asked should be put on housing waiting lists?

Mr. Boyden

Most local authorities are good, but there are some black sheep we remonstrate with them as hard as we can, and very often we succeed.