HC Deb 06 December 1972 vol 847 cc1296-8
33. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the London boroughs Action Group on London Housing is now visiting; and if he will make a statement.

12. Mr. Moyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what London boroughs have been visited by the London Housing Action Group since 15th November 1972; and whether he is now in a position to say when it will report.

Mr. Eyre

In addition to the authorities listed in my answer to the hon. Member for Lewisham, North (Mr. Moyle) on 15th November, the action group has now visited Havering. But it is still too early to say when the action group will be reporting its discussions.— [Vol. 846, c. 117.]

Mr. Cox

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that reply. Is he fully aware of the appalling housing problems that inner London boroughs are facing and of the complete lack of willingness on the part of certain outer boroughs to help in any way? Although the outer boroughs have housing land available for housing development, they are selling it off to private developers. Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that when the report is presented, the action group's terms are sufficiently wide for recommendations to be made which would call for the Government to take action against such authorities?

Mr. Eyre

The hon. Gentleman may like to know that the action group will report in detail in due course after its series of visits has been completed, but the action group includes highly experienced and respected councillors and aldermen, from both major parties, and they are having discussions with all the London boroughs to secure maximum cooperation on agreed measures to help to deal with London problems.

Mr. Leonard

As the action group has visited the borough of Havering, can the Minister assure the House that he will give the fullest backing to the intention of Havering to provide housing for rent in the Emerson Park area, which intention is being strongly resisted by members of the Conservative Party in the borough?

Mr. Eyre

The hon. Gentleman will understand that it is the total picture of London that must concern me, and is my responsibility. I am not prepared to discuss individual boroughs or individual circumstances in detail.

Mr. Freeson

This action group, which was set up with a great fanfare of trumpets by the Department one-and-a-half to two years ago, has reported once already. The Minister says that it is circulating and discussing things with the boroughs. Will he tell the House where one additional acre of land has been produced in the outer London area as a result of its activities? If not, when may we expect to see such land made available for municipal housing to help inner London?

Mr. Eyre

I hope that Opposition Members will not damage the very good prospect that arises from the good work which is being done by the action group. The land availability survey showed that large quantities of extra land have been found in London and, therefore, produced help in dealing with the serious London problems. There are a number of ways in which co-operation and help can be given, and examples of that help are coming forward as a result of the visits.