HC Deb 12 July 1972 vol 840 cc1563-5
13. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent communications, oral and written, he has received from local authorities regarding the implementation of the Housing (Financial Provisions) (Scotland) Bill; and what replies he has given.

Mr. Younger

The only recent representations not relating to practical details have been from Glasgow Corporation. I met a deputation from the corporation on 26th June and reaffirmed the Government's confidence that local authorities will implement the Bill because of the considerable benefits it will confer on families with low incomes and authorities with major housing problems.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that only recently there was a meeting of local authorities in the West of Scotland when they decided that they would not implement the Bill? Will the hon. Gentleman now tell us what he refused to tell us in Committee; what action the Government will take if local authorities refuse to implement the Bill? As a further compromise, will he agree that even at this late stage there should be an Amendment in another place to reduce what he called the 50p, so that local authorities may have further discussion with him with a view to making this confrontation less severe?

Mr. Younger

I am well aware that certain opinions have been expressed on the subject, but as the Bill has not yet been passed by Parliament it is premature to take up firm positions on its implementation. I well respect the views of those who may agree or disagree with the Bill but all of us, whoever we are, are subject to the law of the land. I am confident that that is the general view of all concerned.

Mr. Ross

Is it not essential that the law should be reasonable? The hon. Gentleman said that the Bill has not yet become law. It has become law. Judging by Amendments accepted in another place, it will need to return here and it looks as though it will not become an Act until late this month or early next month. As many of its provisions do not become law until one month after its passing, if the hon. Gentleman finds it difficult to tell us what he will do about implementation in respect of his duty, how can a local authority be expected in one month to make all the preparations for this infamous Measure?

Mr. Younger

I am not sure what the right hon. Gentleman meant by saying that the Bill had become law, because it has not. [Interruption.] I may have misheard the right hon. Gentleman.

Mr. Ross

The hon. Gentleman had better wash his ears.

Mr. Younger

It is kind of the right hon. Gentleman to make a helpful suggestion. The Bill is entirely reasonable, and I have spent a good deal of time in the past few months explaining why. But it is fair enough for the right hon. Gentleman to disagree with me. There is nothing new about an Opposition disagreeing with the Government. What is at issue is the implementation of the Bill. I am confident that local authorities will have plenty of time to take reasonable steps to implement the Bill once Parliament has passed it. I shall give every possible assistance to local authorities to do that in a smooth and orderly manner.