HC Deb 31 January 1972 vol 830 cc7-8
7. Mr. Roderick

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what alternatives were considered by his Department before deciding on the proposals for fair rents in Wales as contained in the Housing Finance Bill.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The Government's objectives in relation to the reform of housing finance which were set out in the White Paper "Fair Deal for Housing" can satisfactorily be met only by the interrelated proposals embodied in the Housing Finance Bill.

Mr. Roderick

I do not accept that as a reply to my Question. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prices and Incomes Board rejected the concept of fair rents some years ago? Now we are embarking on legislation which will lead to a doubling of rents for council house tenants and the making of profits on council house rents. I should like the Minister to explain, if he can, why Scotland should have different legislation, based on historic costs, which will lead to lower rents for council house tenants.

Mr. Gibson-Watt

The hon. Gentleman has asked me several questions. In the time available, I can answer only one. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."] I will write to the hon. Gentleman about the others. In marked contrast to the previous Administration, who, after six years' consideration, totally failed to deal with the acknowledged problem of local authority housing finance, we have formulated and presented our Bill within 12 months of taking office.

Mr. Roderick

On a point of order. I am concerned that the Minister did not reply to my original Question. I asked him what alternatives had been considered.

Mr. Speaker

That is not a point of order.

Mr. George Thomas

Will the hon. Gentleman tell us and the Welsh people why Wales is getting a more raw deal than Scotland in the matter of rents, why there are different proposals for Scotland compared with England and why there is no Minister from the Welsh Office serving on the Committee considering the Housing Finance Bill to deal with the question of rents in Wales?

Mr. Gibson-Watt

If the hon. Gentleman had been here on Thursday last week he would have heard the Leader of the House answer that question. I cannot add to what my right hon. Friend said.