§ 16. Mr. Tebbitasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that the burden of public sector housing is fairly apportioned between tenants, ratepayers and taxpayers.
§ Mr. FreesonNo, Sir.
§ Mr. TebbitI am very glad of that. Is the Minister aware that in many areas it is now becoming clear that the cost of management of the housing stock exceeds income from rent without consideration of capital repayments? Does he think that this is fair to taxpayers at a time when the standard rate of tax is levied on people who are below the supplementary benefit and poverty level?
§ Mr. FreesonI am sure that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer has that last point in mind. I do not accept that there are many areas throughout the country where the rent income is less than the management and maintenance costs. There have been one or two cases which have been publicised in recent years, but it is wrong to take a generalised view of the matter.