HC Deb 21 June 1979 vol 968 cc1495-6
Q3. Mr. John Hunt

asked the Prime Minister if she will appoint a Minister for London.

Mr. Whitelaw

I have been asked to reply.

No, Sir.

Mr. Hunt

Modesty precludes me from suggesting any names for the job, but may I ask whether my right hon. Friend agrees that Greater London, which has a population almost as large as Wales and Scotland put together, has especially acute problems in housing, transport and tourism? As London is the capital city, does it not have a special claim for a direct voice at ministerial level?

Mr. Whitelaw

I recognise the problems of London, but I am bound to say as a Member representing a constituency in the North of England that I have always felt that London speaks with a pretty strong voice already.

Mr. Christopher Price

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that London's housing problems are much more acute than those in any other part of the country? Is he aware further that the ability of London local authorities to carry out satisfactory repairs to the housing stock has been made almost impossible by measures in the Budget against local authorities? Is he able to give any comfort to the old and the infirm in my constituency, who under present measures must look forward to another winter with leaking roofs and houses that do not keep out the weather?

Mr. Whitelaw

It seems that the hon. Gentleman is making a strong condemnation of many of the London boroughs that are under Labour control and of the previous Labour Government.

Mr. Thomas Cox

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, whatever political points he is trying to score, that there are real problems existing in London? Will he pay attention to the comments that are being made by those in industry and commerce in London, who are asking for the very things that the hon. Member for Ravensbourne (Mr. Hunt) has been requesting—namely, the allocation of time in the House for the problems and issues of London to be discussed?

Mr. Whitelaw

The GLC, under Conservative control, is doing an extremely good job. As for discussions in the House, I remind the hon. Gentleman that last week, for example, the House considered giving a Second Reading to the Greater London Council (General Powers) Bill. That provided a perfectly good opportunity to discuss London matters.