§ 4. Mr. Delwyn Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many households have been rehoused under the provisions of the Housing (Agriculture Provisions) Act 1976.
§ The Minister for Housing and Construction (Mr. John Stanley)My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976. The figures obtained by the Department show that by the end of 1978, 1480 households were rehoused under the Act, as a result of applications to local authorities.
§ Mr. WilliamsDoes my hon. Friend agree that the pre-emption clause introduced into the Housing Bill in Committee will, in practice ensure that local authorities are fully able to discharge their responsibilities under the Rent (Agriculture) Act?
§ Mr. StanleyI am grateful to my hon. Friend. That change in the Bill has been widely welcomed.
§ Mr. NewensWhat action does the hon. Gentleman propose to take over authorities that are not implementing the Act? What action will be taken if local authorities find themselves completely without council houses at their disposal to enable them to offer alternative accommodation?
§ Mr. StanleyThe Act is monitored by the Department of the Environment and the Department of Agriculture. Fisheries and Food. Our view is that the Act is operating satisfactorily. We believe that the changes that we are making to revive the privately rented sector, and particularly the introduction of shorthold, will be material in meeting the problem to which the hon. Gentleman refers.