HC Deb 17 October 1973 vol 861 c144W
26. Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he will not introduce legislation to provide for the meetings of rent scrutiny boards to be held in public.

Mr. Channon

Because it would be inappropriate to the task of the boards.

48. Sir G. de Freitas

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will introduce legislation to amend the Housing Finance Act so that at least one member of each county rent scrutiny board is a tenant.

Mr. Eyre

No. My right hon. and learned Friend would be reluctant to limit the discretion of panel presidents in selecting members of rent scrutiny boards from rent assessment panels. For his part, in appointing members to the panels, he chooses the people best qualified for the job, who may live in any type of house including tenants of council houses.

Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the work of the rent scrutiny boards set up under the Housing Finance Act 1972.

Mr. Channon

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar Question from the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. William Hamilton) earlier today.

Mr. Milne

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will now introduce legislation for sittings of the rent scrutiny boards to be in public.

Mr. Channon

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a similar Question from the hon. Member for Hackney, Central (Mr. Clinton Davis) earlier today.