HL Deb 20 May 1965 vol 266 cc556-7

3.18 p.m.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will give the tenants of the hundred houses at Pentre Maelor, near Wrexham, now owned by the Board of Trade, the opportunity of purchasing the houses they now occupy, instead of proceeding with the sale of these houses to the Wrexham Rural District Council.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, BOARD OF TRADE (LORD RHODES)

No, my Lords. The Board of Trade expect shortly to exchange contracts with the Wrexham Rural District Council. An opportunity was given for the tenants to form a consortium to purchase the houses but this did not prove practicable.

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, is it not very disappointing that in this matter, as in some others, the Labour Government cannot do better than their Conservative predecessors? Is it not desirable to have this further opportunity of a property-owning democracy? Is the Minister aware that, before the tenants were in a position to form a consortium Mr. Heath closed down the negotiations?

LORD RHODES

My Lords, that is not correct. In 1947 the houses were built. In 1960 Wrexham ceased to be a development area. In 1963 it was decided to sell. An opportunity was given to the tenants in June, 1963, to buy. In March, 1964, they had not decided. It was then decided to sell. It was a good decision, and although it was made by the last Government, we are going to stick to it.

LORD ERROLL OF HALE

My Lords, may I say that I am grateful to learn that the present Government are following, in one case at least, the good decisions made by the predecessor Government.

LORD RHODES

My Lords, this may be a case where we follow the previous Government; but there are many cases where we lead.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the rural district council which desires to purchase these houses is a Conservative council?

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, is the Minister aware that the former Government did not give the tenants a proper opportunity of forming this consortium which is not an easy thing to do? Just before they reached agreement, Mr. Heath stepped in and closed down the negotiations. Is it not a great pity that the Labour Government are going to follow the Conservative Minister in a very bad action?

LORD RHODES

Oh, no, my Lords, I must defend my predecessor. The noble Lord is not correct. In 1963, the opportunity was given to form a consortium. It was not until March, 1964, when the Secretary of State went down to see the tenants personally, that the thing was done.