§ 19. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to make a statement with reference to the introduction of legislation for the purpose of continuing the Rent Restrictions Act?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question on the same subject addressed to me by the hon. Member for Blackpool on the 5th instant.
§ Colonel DAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the delay is causing 1346 very great anxiety to the public, and cannot he expedite his announcement?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINNo. It is a matter which requires careful consideration.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESCan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when he will be able to tell the House what are his intentions?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the question which I answered from the hon. Member.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWas the date given in that reply? I do not think it was. Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when he will be able to give a definite date?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINIf the hon. and gallant Member will refer to the answer, he will see that I did so.
§ Mr. MARDY JONESCannot the right hon. Gentleman be courteous enough to inform the House of the date?
§ 28. Mr. LOOKERasked the Minister of Health whether, when reviewing the operation of the Rent Restrictions Act, he will consider the question of enabling persons who have bought houses for their own occupation, but are unable to get possession of them, to obtain such possession in spite of any provisions of that Act he may think it desirable to continue?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINMy hon. Friend's suggestion will be carefully considered by the Government before a decision is arrived at in regard to the future of the Rent Restrictions Act.
§ Mr. HAYESMay I ask that the right hon. Gentleman will do nothing in this respect which will increase the hardship on people who are finding a difficulty already in securing suitable accommodation?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINI shall have to consider the hardship occasioned to all classes of people.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSIs it not the case that at present a person who purchases a house can obtain possession for himself or a member of his family without further legislation?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINUnder certain conditions.
§ Mr. HARRISIs it not the common practice in the East, End of London for owners to get possession of their houses under the pretence that they want to live in them, and, after living in them for a short time, turn them into factories?
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the right hon. Gentleman consider a reduction of the rents of these houses to the 1914 rents?