§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will cause an independent investigation to be made to ascertain to what extent Ministers of the Crown, civil servants and others paid from public funds, who are allocated houses, flats, heating, lighting, cleaning, etcetera, have a financial benefit from these emoluments; whether a fair rent and rates system can be introduced to charge these occupants the current market value; and if he will estimate 445W the income derived from such an arrangement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinNo. I do not think these calculations would be fruitful. Ministerial residences are occupied as a requirement for the job. When the details of the Government's policy for the rents of local authorities and private landlords have been worked out its implications for the other accommodation in question will be considered.