HC Deb 25 February 1976 vol 906 cc353-4
4. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for increasing mobility for council tenants.

Mr. Armstrong

My right hon. Friend is considering what further steps are needed as part of the general review of housing management.

Mr. Grist

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that, with the sad collapse of private rented accommodation, there has been a collapse also in the flexibility of housing? Does he not also agree that the regulations applying to council houses constitute a serious barrier to a mobile, or at least more mobile, work force?

Mr. Armstrong

We have no evidence to substantiate the hon. Gentleman's first supplementary question, but we are examining the situation urgently to see whether the system could be made more flexible and people who want to be mobile encouraged.

Mr. Watkinson

Would not my hon. Friend agree that the mobility of the work force is of prime concern to the Government? Would it not be advisable to list on a central register, either at county or metropolitan level, existing properties where people wish to move so that the process of moving could be effected in that manner?

Mr. Armstrong

I take that suggestion on board. We have indicated by circular ways in which we think tenants who want to move can be helped. But we also have to bear in mind the limits on resources and manpower. We are trying to find a solution.

Mr. Rossi

Would it not help the manpower problem if the Minister considered setting up a national system of computer-linked exchange centres so that tenants could take up new job opportunities more easily with benefit not only to themselves but to the economy as a whole?

Mr. Armstrong

It is remarkable how the Opposition keep telling us not to interfere and then demand more public expenditure. We are urgently considering this very important matter.