§ 13. Mr. Douglas-Mannasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many tenants of local authorities were required to forgo all or part of the compensation on the compulsory acquisition of their homes as a condition of the grant of their tenancy.
§ The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. Julian Amery)This information is not available.
§ Mr. Douglas-MannWill the Minister endeavour to obtain this information? Does he agree that whether the figures are large or small, they are certainly substantial, and that those who have been required to forgo compensation in the expectation of receiving premises at the sort of rent which has hitherto been charged by local authorities will be effectively defrauded by being required to pay the fair rents required under the Bill which is at present in Standing Committee? Does the hon. Gentleman agree 1373 that this virtually amounts to obtaining money by false pretences?
§ Mr. AmeryWhen an owner asks a council to buy his house and to rehouse him—where rehousing is part of the bargain—I regard that practice as acceptable. Otherwise I regard it as wholly deplorable and unacceptable.