HC Deb 14 October 1969 vol 788 c185
23. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he now proposes to seek powers after the end of the present calendar year to interfere with the rents fixed by local authorities for their residential properties; and what form he proposes these powers should take.

Mr. Greenwood

This issue is still under consideration but, as my right hon. Friend the First Secretary of State said in the Budget debate, restraint in the growth of rents continues to be an integral part of the prices and incomes policy.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

As over a month ago the right hon. Gentleman was trying to bully local authorities into acquiescence with the terms of the proposed White Paper, is it not time that he took the House of Commons into his confidence?

Mr. Greenwood

We have been having discussions with local authorities as to the best way of implementing the principles laid down by my right hon. Friend. The best thing to do is to await the outcome of those discussions and proposals for any legislative improvements which may be necessary.

Mr. Wellbeloved

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many hon. Members on this side of the House attach great importance to protection being given to council tenants from the vicious vendetta which Conservative councils are now waging against this class of people?

Mr. Greenwood

It is the Government's view that it is very important to prevent any unnecessary increases, particularly at a time of economic difficulty.