Former MP for Grantham
Would the right hon. Gentleman give some advice to the British Railways Executive to the effect that unless some agreement is reached on the question of lodging-out before next weekend the strike is apt to spread considerably? This condition of lodging-out has only just been re-imposed, and it seems rather too bad that we cannot get an agreement much faster than this.
I am rather sorry that the Minister has not been able to implement his promise. Perhaps he could tell me the reason why. I think we shall find that many local authorities who have already loaned money to joint owners will find themselves in a great deal of difficulty from the legal aspect unless the situation is legalised.
Does that mean that under the Housing Act local authorities can loan money in joint names in any case? Can they do that already?
Will that automatically take care of the money already loaned by the local authorities in joint names?
Can it be made known very extensively to local authorities that under the 1936 Act they are able to loan money in the names of husband and wife, or brother and sister, as the case may be, on application?
I am delighted that my right hon. Friend has seen fit to accept the Amendment which I moved in Committee. For the reasons explained by the Parliamentary Secretary, its insertion will improve the Bill considerably. It will prevent annoyance to those against whom housing offences are alleged by their not having to search the country for the place where completion was effected.
Suppose there is an estate—I know one in my town where I live called Cherry Orchard—where the rents are about 10s. 6d. a week. Presumably that would be a house which the right hon. Gentleman would refer to as being suitable for the working class. Next door there is a new estate going up where the rents are 24s. or 25s. 6d. a week. If this Amendment were accepted, would it not mean that...
On a point of Order. Would it be possible, Mr. Speaker, to call Question No. 69, because it is a matter of great public importance and the strikes are presumably going to continue unless this lodging-out business is stopped right away?
