§ Mr. Perkinsasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he has considered the petition signed by a large number of the residents of the maisonettes at Stonehouse, who complain that the rents and rates are excessive in view of the damp and draughty condition; and what action he proposes to take over the matter.
§ Sir S. CrippsThe petition to which my hon. Friend refers was received on the 18th February, and I am arranging with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Works, whose Department is responsible for the maintenance of the estate, to have the maisonettes inspected to see whether there is good cause for complaints of dampness and draughts and, if there is, to take all practicable steps to remedy defects.
As regards the rents, these are not considered excessive by comparison with those charged for similar accommodation in the district; the rates are the responsibility of the local authority.