Rating System

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 12 February 1973.

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Photo of Mr Geoffrey Finsberg Mr Geoffrey Finsberg , Hampstead 12:00, 12 February 1973

I cannot agree, but I shall not go into a detailed discussion as it might bore the House. The problems of Hackney are well left in the hon. Gentleman's hands so long as he speaks from the Opposition side of the Chamber.

The hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Whitehead), in one of his interjections, spoke of the extra burden being placed on council tenants as a result of the Housing Finance Act. I hope that he will not omit, as do so many of his hon. Friends, to point out that those in real need will get an increase in the needs allowance of £3·50. That is an important point. The hon. Gentleman is usually so fair that I am sure he would not wish that to go by.

It is worth noting that the party of involvement in community politics, the Liberal Party, is noteworthy by its absence. I hope that the country will take note of this when it has the sham fçcade put forward by the Liberals at by-elections. When there is a vital debate on a matter concerning the localities the Liberal Party does not bother to attend.