HC Deb 05 July 1972 vol 840 cc139-40W
Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish in the Official Report the numbers of pre-1919 and post-1919 dwellings, respectively, for which fair rents have been registered in each of the economic planning regions in England and Wales since 1965, for whatever years such figures are available.

Mr. Eyre

This information is not available. I have written to the hon. Member.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the inflationary effect of rent rises for tenants, after allowing for rent rebates, as a result of the implementation of the Housing Finance Bill.

Mr. Eyre

The proposals in the Bill are not inflationary. The Bill provides generous help to all tenants of unfurnished dwellings who cannot afford the rent of accommodation suited to their needs. This means that many tenants in lower income groups will be paying less rent than they do now. For those who can afford any rent increases these will be phased by reasonable amounts.

Mr. Freeson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities have made submissions to him in connection with the provisions of Clause 63(4) of the Housing Finance Bill; and if he will list them in the Official Report and indicate the latest date by which he expects to make directions under this subsection which would be effective in connection with the 1st October, 1972 deadline.

Mr. Eyre

Directions under Clause 63(4) cannot be given until the Bill comes into force. The following authorities have written to the Department to ask if an indication could be given whether such a direction is likely to be forthcoming:

  • Brent LBC.
  • Bromley LBC.
  • Hammersmith LBC.
  • Islington LBC.
  • Lambeth LBC.
  • Birmingham CBC.
  • Newcastle-upon-Tyne CBC.
  • Norwich CBC.
  • York CBC.
  • Tenterden BC.
  • Todmorden BC.
  • Cirencester UDC.
  • Fulwood UDC.
  • Normanton UDC.
  • Seaham UDC.
  • Seaton Valley UDC.
  • Walton and Weybridge UDC.
  • Wickham UDC.
  • Castle Ward RDC.