§ 20. Mr. Budgenasked 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. ArmstrongThe 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. BudgenWill 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. ArmstrongI 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 390 who are vulnerable. That is the basis of our subsidy.