§ 2.55 p.m.
§ LORD MELCHETTMy 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 are aware that at least one Estate is deliberately contravening the Government's housing policy by 1555 destroying cheap rented accommodation in London, and whether they will sanction a loan so that the G.L.C. can immediately purchase properties providing such accommodation which are now being demolished or threatened; for example, in Christchurch Street and elsewhere in Chelsea.
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, I presume that the noble Lord has particularly in mind the redevelopment of the Christchurch Street/Tedworth Square area by Cadogan Estates. The Estates are acting in accordance with planning permissions granted to them in 1971 and 1972. The Secretary of State for the Environment has, however, now listed some of the properties, 26 to 52 and 60 to 76 Christchurch Street, as buildings of historic or architectural interest. No request for loan sanction for the purchase of these or other properties in Chelsea threatened with demolition has been received from the Greater London Council.
§ LORD MELCHETTMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply. May I ask him whether he is aware how welcome the news that these buildings in Christchurch Street have been spot-listed will be, not only to everyone who cares about the environment and the architecture of London, but also, of course, to the people living in Christchurch Street? May I further ask him whether he is aware that as soon as the Cadogan Estates got news of the fact that somebody was trying to get these houses spot-listed they moved in a gang of demolition men—rumour has it "lump" labour—who immediately set about destroying the houses? I think I am right in saying that the reason why there is a gap in the numbers which are now being listed is because three of the houses have been demolished in the last few days. In fact, I wonder whether the Minister is aware that the demolition men were at work on two of the houses this morning, although it was known yesterday evening that the buildings would be spot-listed. Secondly, may I ask the Minister whether he will now take steps to urge the G.L.C. or the Kensington and Chelsea Council to take these houses into municipal ownership—if necessary by compulsory purchase—so that the homes of the people living there can be preserved, as well as the architecture?
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, I was aware that three houses had been demolished. I was not aware that men were still working on demolition of other houses this morning. I think I ought not to comment on a situation where, quite clearly, there may be legal problems. In regard to the latter suggestion of my noble friend, I will see to it that the attention of the Greater London Council and of the Chelsea Council, as well as that of my right honourable friend, is drawn to what he has had to say.
§ LORD WYNNE-JONESMy Lords, can the Minister reassure the House that the utterly appalling steps being taken by this Estate Company will be stopped? I can confirm that the houses were being demolished this morning—I passed along—and it seems—
§ LORD WYNNE-JONESMy Lords, would not the noble Lord agree that it is outrageous that a company can defy the desires of the inhabitants and also of the Government and the G.L.C. in this matter? Would not my noble friend agree that this company has been defying public opinion all this century?
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, my noble friend who has just asked a supplementary question has placed certain information on the Record, as did my noble friend who spoke before him. Having regard to the situation that exists there, I would do well to refrain from commenting on an issue where legal proceedings may well be under consideration.
§ LORD DAVIES OF LEEKMy Lords, is my noble friend aware that, if we do not in some way stop the progress of some of these planners who seem to build these "mega-highline" monstrosities, we shall destroy the possibilities open to some people who are not greedy to get full purses but who believe in life, living and a little art? Can he ensure that there are cheap places to rent for people who want to live in the Chelsea area?
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, of course the Government want to see an increase in the number of accommodations to let at reasonable rentals. The Question, however, refers to particular properties. I would say to the House 1557 that I have been at some pains to ascertain exactly what has happened with regard to those who have been displaced. I will see that all the comments which have been made are drawn to my right honourable friend's attention.
§ BARONESS GAITSKELLMy Lords, is it not true that there are practices of the same kind in connection with property which is rent controlled? Is it not a fact that there have been many cases where people have been encouraged, coerced or bullied to give up these properties which are rent controlled, in order that they may be bought by a company and turned into luxury flats?
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, having regard to the inquiries that I have made and to the information that I have received about these properties, I have no intention of being drawn further.
§ LORD MELCHETTMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for the great care which he has taken in looking into this thorny problem. May I ask whether he is aware that Mrs. Gladys Dimson, the chairwoman of the G.L.C. Housing Committee, has already said that she is carefully watching the situation with regard to the houses in Christchurch Street, and that if Kensington and Chelsea Council are not prepared to exercise their responsibilities in regard to these tenants she will ensure that the G.L.C. takes the appropriate steps?
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, I take note of what my noble friend has said. May I say further that I believe that the Greater London Council is well aware of the situation, and I think that it has played a very worthy part in getting the buildings I have mentioned listed.