HC Deb 12 April 1972 vol 834 cc1253-4
27. Mr. John D. Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what reply he has given to the letter from the London Council of Social Service calling upon the Government to acknowledge London's housing shortage as an emergency and, in particular, suggesting a regional housing authority with executive powers.

Mr. Peyton

The terms of my right hon. Friend's reply are contained in a letter which he has sent to the hon. Member for West Ham, North (Mr. Arthur Lewis) on this matter and which is being published in the Official Report today in a Written Answer to the hon. Member.

Mr. Grant

Since I do not know the terms of the letter, it is difficult to pursue the matter—

Mr. Speaker

Order. As I have said before, a supplementary question is not compulsory.

Mr. Grant

Without feeling in any way compelled, may I nevertheless ask the Minister whether that letter accepts the request for a regional housing authority to be set up with executive powers? Will the Government stop dodging this issue and act in the interest of many thousands of people on housing waiting lists in Islington and other inner London areas?

Mr. Peyton

No, Sir, the answer does not contain the undertaking for which the hon. Gentleman has asked. I would ask him to study my right hon. Friend's reply.

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