HC Deb 07 April 1970 vol 799 cc226-7
28. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will call a conference of housing authorities in London to discuss the housing programme in the Metropolis.

Mr. Greenwood

I will bear my hon. Friend's suggestion for an all-London conference of authorities carefully in mind.

Mr. Fraser

Will my right hon. Friend do this quickly, and do something about the shocking dereliction of housing responsibilities by boroughs like Bexley, Croydon and Merton, and by the G.L.C., whose guilty accomplices sit on the benches opposite and who are neglecting their housing responsibilities to London?

Mr. Greenwood

We are very well aware of the seriousness of the situation, and are having discussions with individual authorities. It is better to get those through before we consider a conference of the London housing authorities. My hon. Friend may be encouraged to know that no fewer than seven London boroughs, including some of the poorest, achieved programmes of over 1,000 dwellings in 1969. The others should seek to emulate them.

Sir J. Rodgers

Does the Minister propose to take any steps to lower the interest rates imposed by the present Government on local authorities, which have had such a hindering effect on the building programme?

Mr. Greenwood

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman is not aware of the Housing Subsidies Act, 1967. He seems to overlook the fact that high interest rates are not peculiar to this country but are a world phenomenon.