§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) whether he will publish in HANSARD details of the estimated changes which would result upon Great Britain's joining the Common Market in rents, rates and taxes thereon of council and private property, both as regards furnished and unfurnished lettings;
(2) whether he is aware that the system of indirect taxation as followed in the Common Market countries could affect rents as charged in this country; and what action he has taken or intends to take to harmonise the rents of council houses and private houses, by amendment of the Rent Acts or otherwise, to those applying in the Common Market; and to what extent rents will increase on entry into the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. MellishEntry to the Common Market would be unlikely to necessitate any immediate changes in legislation affecting rents or housing subsidies. It is too early to say what effect, if any, entry might have on housing costs.