HC Deb 20 January 1971 vol 809 cc1054-5
26. Mr. Leonard

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what request he has received from the Greater London Council, under the Rent (Control of Increases) Act, 1969, for permission to increase council house rents in 1971 by an average of more than 7s. 6d. per week.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Paul Channon)

The Greater London Council do not require my right hon. Friend's agreement under the Act to the rent increases they propose to make in 1971.

Mr. Leonard

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Greater London Council recently announced increases averaging a total of 30s. over the next three years, which works out at an average of 10s. during 1971? How can he reconcile his refusal to act with the Prime Minister's clear pledge before the last General Election to act directly to reduce public sector prices?

Mr. Channon

It is all very well for the hon. Member to say that. I say to him what I said in my original answer, that under the Act which was passed by the Labour Government the Greater London Council do not require to have my right hon. Friend's agreement to rent increases which they propose to make this year.