Mr. H. Wilson:

asked the Minister of Works why he has increased the rents of houses owned by his Department in the Kirkby area; what financial loss his Department is at present suffering per house; and whether he will reconsider his decision in this matter.

I have been asked to reply, as the houses at Kirkby are owned by the Ministry of Supply. Rents are being increased where necessary to bring them in line with rents which under the Rent Act, 1957, may be charged by private landlords. The present annual loss per dwelling amounts to about £37. The new rents for both houses and flats are reasonable, and my right hon. Friend does not propose to reconsider his decision.

Mr. Wilson:

Does the Minister think that this is really the way to run a Government? First, they introduce the Rent Act to allow higher rents to private landlords and then, in order to maintain parity, they raise the rents of publicly-owned houses.

I am satisfied that the rents now being charged for these houses are in line with those charged for local authority houses and the best privately-owned houses. There is no reason to accept a suggestion that Government tenants, or, indeed, tenants not employed by the Government, should have a preferential rent compared with others.

Mr. Wilson:

While we do not deny that these rents may be in line with the excessive rents which this Government are allowing private landlords to charge, is the Minister aware that, although he may be satisfied, the tenants are not, and will he accept my invitation to visit Kirkby to discuss this matter with the tenants?

I should have thought that the example of the local authorities which I gave in my answer was a reasonable one to give. These rents are not out of line with local authority rents. As regards a visit to the town, I am quite prepared to send an official up there at any time to see these houses, or, indeed, to do anything which will show that the Government are no worse a landlord than either the local authorities or the best of private owners.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that, in following this policy, he is following the example of many Socialist-controlled councils in putting up rents to a reasonable level?

I should not necessarily accept that as a precept, but I appreciate what my hon. Friend has said.