§ 63. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what suggestions he has made to local authorities by which they can help older people, who have occupied their homes for 25 years and paid more than the value of the house in rent, who have been given notice to quit; and what help he will give to these tenants apart from advising them to seek professional advice and to try and negotiate with their landlords when they are unable to find alternative accommodation.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMy suggestions to local authorities are set out in a Circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
Meanwhile I would urge tenants not to be frightened by wild and alarmist predictions, and to remember that they have still several months in which to make arrangements.
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that the Rent Act, 1957, is causing hardship and difficulties to many thousands of tenants, and that many of these tenants are under a misapprehension concerning their rights under this Act; and whether he will arrange to make a radio and television broadcast, giving a factual Ministerial explanation of the workings of this Act.
§ Mr. H. BrookeMany explanations of the provisions of the Act have already been given in newspapers and on the radio and on television, and I understand that further broadcasts are being arranged. Nearly a million and a quarter copies of the booklet "The Rent Act and You" have been sold. Many local authorities have been giving information about the provisions of the Act, while anyone who needs guidance on a particular problem can ask the local citizens' advice bureau, which may also be able to arrange legal advice for those who really need it and cannot pay for it.