HC Deb 16 March 1977 vol 928 cc389-90
20. Mr. Budgen

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of current council housing costs it is currently estimated will be met by rebated rents in 1976–77 and 1977–78.

Mr. Armstrong

The latest estimates of housing revenue account expenditure to be met by rents for dwellings—net of rebates—and other rents in England in 1976–77 and 1977–78 are about 43 per cent. and 42 per cent. respectively.

Mr. Budgen

Will the Minister confirm that when the country finally returns to free collective bargaining the Government will no longer force the taxpayers to give these vast subsidies to council tenants?

Mr. Armstrong

I thought that it had been agreed by both sides that housing was so important that the public have a responsibility to ensure that everyone is adequately housed. We are anxious to help particularly in the housing of those who are vulnerable. That is the basis of our subsidy.