HC Deb 14 July 1970 vol 803 cc1341-3
9. Mr. John Fraser

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will make a statement about his official visit to the London Borough of Lambeth.

15. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he will now take, following his recent official visit to Brixton, to alleviate the housing problems of the London Borough of Lambeth.

Mr. Peter Walker

I was pleased to find the Lambeth Council engaged in an expanded programme of new house building, a large slum clearance programme and a campaign for house improvements.

In particular I intend to draw the attention of other local authorities to the success of Lambeth's comprehensive housing advisory centre.

Mr. Fraser

Having visited some overcrowded houses in my constituency, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the council will now receive loan sanction from the Government to buy empty houses in the same road to alleviate overcrowded housing conditions? Secondly, can he say whether there will be increased housing finance from the Government for Lambeth, which the borough has requested? Has he discussed with the council its proposal in respect of concessionary fares to old-age pensioners if it receives an increased rate support grant?

Mr. Walker

I should require notice of the last question. The question of financing areas like Lambeth, with a serious financial problem, is something to be considered in the general review of housing finance.

Mr. Lipton

Is the Minister aware that his whiz-kid descent upon Lambeth, accompanied by loud protestations of horrified disgust, is not worth a light unless he follows it up with some concrete action? How much more money will he give Lambeth? Is he willing to give a guarantee that Lambeth will get more money under the review that he says is going on at present?

Mr. Walker

As the object of the review is to assist areas where housing is worst the review will be of benefit to areas such as Lambeth. As for my visit there, I particularly complained at the manner in which certain tenants were being exploited and were unaware of their rights. As a result, I have increased the expenditure to be incurred in bringing to the attention of these immigrants their proper rights and powers.

Mr. Freeson

Does the Minister accept that one of the main underlying problems of Lambeth and similar areas is the shortage of land on which to rehouse people in order to pursue improvements and clearance? Is the Minister aware of the difficulties that the Borough of Lambeth is experiencing—difficulties that are repeated elsewhere in London and in other areas—in getting land for local authority purposes in outer London areas such as Sutton, which prevents rehousing? What action is he proposing to take to get the Sutton Council and others like it to release land in outer London so as to help the Inner London twilight areas?

Mr. Walker

We are sending out the recent report on housing in London, and in the circular attached we are urging local authorities to take notice of this problem, and we are entering discussions with them.