Former MP for Paddington North
It is with some hesitation that I take part in this debate, because I am not sure that at this stage there is much constructive that can be added to the excellent work that has been done already. It is, however, right that a few words should come from this side of the House in unqualified praise and acceptance of the policy of my right hon. Friend the Minister and its embodiment in the Bill...
Surely, in view of the hon. Lady's Ministerial experience, it was also her duty to convey to this old lady that she did not accept it as socially desirable that an old lady of 70 should have to depend for her income on the rents of old properties that she could not maintain or repair.
The hon. Gentleman is trying to have it both ways. Either these higher rents are fair or they are unfair. Either a shortage is applying or it is not applying. If, as he maintains, there is no problem, then they will be in and out of the rent office and in and out of the rent assessment committee in a very short time.
If my right hon. Friend looks back into HANSARD he will observe that I preceded the hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Fell), who had been in the House all night and who had received information from his own Chief Whip that if I did not curtail my speech the debate would be closured and he would not have a chance to get in. I did curtail my own speech and the hon. Member got in on the subject.
Does the right hon. Gentleman not yet realise this about security of tenure, that although, originally, the evils he sets out arise, once it has become universal then mobility will he restored to people, because they will be as secure in their next dwelling as they were in the last?
Wait for it.
It is always slightly embarrassing to speak following the hon. Member for Paddington, South (Mr. Robert Allan), not only because after all these years he is a personal friend of mine but because I know, and he knows that I know, how much of what he says springs from personal knowledge and conviction and how much from political prudence. I know that he knows—and that his right hon. Friend...
rose—
