HC Deb 01 November 1993 vol 231 cc10-1
10. Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received about the latest report from the Local Government Commissioner; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gwilym Jones

None.

Mr. Thurnham

Is my hon. Friend aware that the ombudsman's report contains 10 pages of criticism of maladministration by council housing departments? Does he agree that the Government have done more than any Government to boost private home ownership? Is he further aware that the Opposition now have a policy document saying that the private rented sector badly needs a boost?

Mr. Jones

I acknowledge my hon. Friend's point about the Opposition's deathbed conversion to the importance of the private rented sector. Equally, I acknowledge what my hon. Friend said about bad practice in Welsh local authorities. We have been concerned about that for some time. In our agenda for action on housing, we gave a strong warning against political interference, and earlier this year we embarked on a consultation exercise into the housing allocation policies of all councils. We are now considering the replies to that exercise.

Mr. Roy Hughes

If only to safeguard the future of local government, will the Minister sack the inspector who awarded costs against Newport borough council for refusing permission to the American concern Browning Ferris for another waste disposal plant? Will he appreciate that the commissar-like attitude is alien to our democratic traditions in Wales and that the elected councillors were only acting in line with the wishes of the electors?

Mr. Jones

Matters such as that referred to by the hon. Gentleman would be considered in the proper quarters. The inspectors are charged with carrying out inquiries, and they do so to the best of their abilities.

Mr. Jonathan Evans

Does my hon. Friend agree that the report of the local government commissioners illustrates the way in which national institutions are exposing wrongdoing, even by elected local government councillors? Does my hon. Friend also think that the report, touching as it does on one of the local authorities in my local area and on authorities represented by Opposition Members, demonstrates the need for the Government to deal urgently with the issue of housing allocation?

Mr. Jones

I could not agree more with my hon. Friend. He is right in saying that Parliament gives scrutiny to that which needs to be scrutinised. A most amusing suggestion which I saw recently was that some examples underline the importance of having a parliament for Wales. I thought that that was really saying that the Opposition is totally ineffective in scrutiny.

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