§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the future of the Central Housing Advisory Committee.
§ Mr. FreesonI have now completed my review of the rôle of the Central Housing Advisory Committee. As a result my right hon. Friend has decided to disband the committee.
This decision recognises the changes that have taken place since the Central Housing Advisory Committee was established in 1935, particularly in recent 111W years. A pattern of increasing consultation, both formal and informal, with representative interests and persons of special knowledge in the housing field outside the Department, especially as regards research into housing issues, is now clearly established and has proved its worth. Given this alternative approach, the committee's value has diminished to a point at which its future usefulness as a separate, statutory consultative body is doubtful. Section 143 of the Housing Act 1957, which relates to the appointment of the CHAC, will therefore be repealed at a suitable opportunity. Meanwhile, no further meetings of the committee will be held.
I should like to take this opportunity of expressing the Government's gratitude for the major contributions to the formulation of housing policy made by the committee over the years.