HC Deb 30 June 1971 vol 820 c121W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he is aware that, on any conditions for Great Britain's entry into the European Economic Community, interchangeability of labour between the countries of the Community must be allowed and that persons coming to the United Kingdom from the Continent must be allowed full freedom of obtaining housing and how this will affect council housing lists;

(2) to what extent the European Economic Community rules on the free availability of housing accommodation to nationals of the Six would, if applied in the United Kingdom, affect those British citizens who are on housing waiting lists.

Mr. Channon

It is for each local authority to decide for itself the criteria for admission to its waiting list. Entry into the E.E.C. would not change this situation.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment why he will not obtain a detailed list of rents and rates charged for one, two and three bed-roomed houses and flats, both private and publicly owned in each of the Common Market countries, and, on a basis of allowing for the cost of living, compare these with similar charges as made in the United Kingdom as at 16th June, 1971.

Mr. Channon

Because the information could not be obtained at reasonable expense.