§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the 2156W Merton and Morden Urban District Council have decided by a majority of one to sell their houses on the Whatley and Claremount estates, and that the tenants have protested against this both by resolutions and petition on the ground that if the property is sold, the tenants may be dispossessed and the rents may be substantially increased, in view of the fact that the Rent Restriction Acts do not apply; and whether his Department is continuing the policy of encouraging local authorities to sell houses erected by them?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have not at present received an application for my approval of the sale of the houses on the estates in question. Proposals for the sale of houses by local authorities are considered on their merits, and I should certainly not be prepared to approve proposals involving the dispossession of tenants or increase of rents.