HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc16-7
20. Mr. Kinnock

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what correspondence he has received from Bedwas and Machen Urban District Council concerning the Housing Finance Bill; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The Clerk of the Urban District Council has informed us that the council has resolved not to implement certain provisions of the Housing Finance Bill when these become law. The letter is being acknowledged.

Mr. Kinnock

Does the Minister of State recognise that the silly Housing Finance Bill has induced otherwise law-abiding and reasonable citizens on the Bedwas and Machen Urban District Council to contemplate ignoring the law? Will he not reconsider the wisdom of trying to enact such legislation when democratically elected representatives in touch with council house tenants in the area talk of the Bill as complete nonsense and a farce and will not be bullied into operating it?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

I do not think that I should comment on what is clearly intended as a party political gesture at a time when the Housing Finance Bill is still under discussion.

Sir A. Meyer

Will my hon. Friend condemn in the strongest possible terms any repeated attempts of hon. Members opposite to encourage local authorities to flout the law of the land?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

That will be a matter for them.

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