HC Deb 14 July 1970 vol 803 c1346
13. Mr. Bob Brown

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if it is his policy to advise local authorities to charge their tenants for repairs.

Mr. Channon

Authorities have certain statutory repairing obligations. Beyond this policy is a matter for local decision.

Mr. Brown

Is the Minister aware that the Newcastle City Council is charging tenants for all repairs? Does not the hon. Gentleman consider that this is a grossly undesirable practice, which is likely to cause good houses to fall into disrepair, thereby frustrating his own policy of selling council houses?

Mr. Channon

That is a matter of policy for the Newcastle Council. If the hon. Gentleman has a specific point to raise perhaps he will write to me, when I shall be willing to look into it.