§ 47. Mr. John Leeasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many cases have been brought to his attention during the last 12 months of applicants for local authority housing otherwise entitled thereto being disqualified solely on grounds of poverty; what was the number of such persons for the period from October, 1967, to October, 1968; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonI am not aware of any case in which a local authority have decided not to offer a tenancy to someone in the circumstances to which my hon. Friend refers. Housing authorities are statutorily required to give reasonable preference to persons who are occupying insanitary or overcrowded houses, have large families, or are living under unsatisfactory housing conditions. I will gladly look into any cases my hon. Friend may have in mind.