HC Deb 21 July 1971 vol 821 cc286-7W
Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the percentage increase in unrebated rents of Manchester Corporation houses if his proposals in Command Paper No. 4728 become law.

Mr. Golding

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much he estimates that council house rents will increase following the rephasing of subsidies.

Mr. Amery

I have made no such estimates since fair rents will depend on the character, size and location of individual dwellings. The fair rents of council houses will not be affected by the rephasing of subsidies.

Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the proportion of tenants of private landlords of controlled houses who will pay increased rents if Fair Deal in Housing becomes law.

Mr. Amery

Increased rent will normally become payable, by stages, when controlled tenancies are transferred to regulation (they will not be so transferred if the dwelling is formally notified as unfit) ; but what the tenant pays from his own resources will depend also on whether he needs and claims a rent allowance.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the ratio between net rent and gross rateable value of registered rents of private houses in the London Borough of Brent Rent Officer's area.

Mr. Channon

The Department's computer sample gives the ratio between the registered rent and the gross value as 1.91. This sample covers all types of unfurnished dwelling.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is aware that the average rents from three-bedroomed council houses in England and Wales rose between 31st March, 1969, and 31st March, 1970, from £2.05 to £2.22 ; why the figure for March, 1971, is not yet available ; when he expects to get the latter figure ; and whether he will arrange to publish this in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Channon

I am aware of the answer given to the hon. Member in reply to his Question given on 9th July. The figures for average rents were taken from the annual statistics published by the Institute of Municipal Treasurers and Accountants. I understand that the edition for 1970–71 will not be available for several months, but will be placed in the Library on publication, as usual.