§ 55. Mr. Parkinasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will investigate the adequacy of the establishment of rent officers in the London 226W boroughs, and particularly satisfy himself that steps are being taken by the City of Westminster to shorten the present estimated four years' delay in the hearing of applications.
§ Mr. MacCollThe establishment of rent officers and supporting staff is under continuous review and where necessary has been strengthened in various ways. In Westminster an additional rent officer and two more supporting staff have recently been appointed and part-time help is being given by a rent officer on loan from the Borough of Southwark. My right hon. Friend hopes that these measures will shorten the time normally taken to deal with applications, which at present is about six months. He is considering what other measures are needed to ensure that rent officers can deal effectively both with cases already in hand and with new applications.