§ 25. Mr. Haselhurstasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for the future of overspill estates under local government reorganisation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. and learned Friend intends to issue a circular drawing the attention of local authorities to the difficulties which concern my hon. Friend. The circular will ask the authorities concerned to explore the possibility of voluntary arrangements to transfer ownership or, failing that, to secure 1299 adequate representation of tenants' interests with the housing authority.
§ Mr. HaselhurstI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that indication, but I am apprehensive that recommendations to local authorities are not always heeded. In this case is there not a fundamental attack on the basic rights of citizens whereby they are bound by the policies of the housing authority, in the election of whose members they have no say? Is my hon. Friend aware of the damage which will be done to education and community welfare if this situation is perpetuated, and if local authorities ignore his right hon. and learned Friend's circular?
§ Mr. ChannonI note the view expressed by my hon. Friend. I know of his great interest in this subject, which he has raised in an Adjournment debate and on other occasions. My right hon. and learned Friend is considering the letter sent to him by my hon. Friend. All these points will be borne in mind in the drafting of the circular.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunDoes the Minister agree that the main problem in stress housing areas is the shortage of land? This land lies outside the new metropolitan counties. How can the Minister help local authorities with terrible housing problems to get the land they need for overspill purposes?
§ Mr. ChannonThat raises slightly wider questions, but I think the hon. Gentleman will agree with me that the minimum in a situation of that kind is that there should be adequate representation of the tenants' interests on the housing authority.