HC Deb 27 July 1971 vol 822 cc207-8
Q8. Mr. Meacher

asked the Prime Minister whether he will pay an official visit to Oldham.

The Prime Minister

I have at present no plans to do so.

Mr. Meacher

I regret that, because the Prime Minister would be able to explain to the people of Oldham why South-East Lancashire—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—which has the highest proportion of unfit housing in the country is rigidly excluded from any assistance with extra improvement grant under the present Housing Bill—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—just because it is outside any development or intermediate area, even though unemployment in the Oldham area has more than doubled in the last month. Will the Prime Minister explain to the people of Oldham—[HON. MEMBERS: "Question."]—this is a question—in what sense he regards housing need as greater or more deserving in the Conservative pocket boroughs of Bridlington, Filey, Oswestry and Tavistock?

The Prime Minister

If the hon. Gentleman wants to deal with specific questions about housing, he can table a Question to the Minister who is responsible.

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