§ 57. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in the light of the Government's policy on prices, he will take steps to assist those local authorities who, due to increased costs, are forced to increase rates and/or charge higher rents for council houses.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have just introduced a Bill to provide much bigger subsidies for new council house building. Where authorities have rate resources below the average, grant will be payable on any contributions made from rates to the Housing Revenue Account.
§ 59. Mr. Allasonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will issue a circular to local authorities directing them, when they purchase property by agreement, not to make a deduction from the purchase price in respect of rehousing the vendor in a council house; and whether he will make a statement on his policy in this regard.
§ Mr. MellishPurchase by agreement is essentially a matter for negotiation between the parties concerned, but my right hon. Friend has made it plain that in his view the most appropriate course is to258W treat the purchase and the tenancy of a council house as separate considerations. It is for the local authority to determine the rent they will charge for the tenancy of the council house. My right hon. Friend has no power to make a direction.