§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the London Borough of Newham has decided to evacuate residents from all tower blocks built on the Ronan Point system and to strengthen these buildings; whether he will advise all local councils with similar tower blocks to do likewise; and whether he will give an assurance that Her Majesty's Government will meet the costs involved, or discuss these financial matters with the councils concerned.
§ Mr. GreenwoodI have issued a circular of advice to local authorities on the appraisal and strengthening of such blocks. Whether any particular building needs to be evacuated is a matter for local decision after these appraisals. As regards the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answer given today in reply to a Question by him on the same subject.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that due to the Ronan Point disaster and difficulties resulting thereafter the local council rates in the London Borough of Newham are likely to rise by an amount between 1s. 2d. to 2s. 2d. in the£; and whether he will, as a matter of urgency, have discussions with the borough representatives on this and related problems.
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§ Mr. GreenwoodI have already indicated my willingness to discuss financial problems with the local authority associations when we know the results of the structural appraisals and are able to consider proposals for remedial measures.