HC Deb 28 January 1937 vol 319 cc1064-5
56. Mr. E. Smith

asked the Minister of Health whether, on the expiration of the Rent Act in 1938, it is proposed to abolish the 40 per cent, increase in the rents of houses?

The Minister of Health (Sir Kingsley Wood)

The Government have not yet considered whether it is necessary to take further action in connection with the Rent Restrictions Acts.

Mr. Smith

Will the right hon. Gentleman give sympathetic consideration to this suggestion, in view of the fact that there has been an approximate reduction of wages by 50 per cent, since this increase was put upon the rents?

Sir K. Wood

Without accepting the statement of the hon. Member, it is obvious that the whole matter will have to be considered before 1938, when the Act expires.

Sir Percy Harris

Will not a new Act have to be passed this year in order to prevent the Act lapsing next year?

Sir K. Wood

I think it is March, 1938.

Mr. E. J. Williams

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that high rent charge is largely responsible for malnutrition, as it consumes a very large portion of the earnings of workpeople?

Sir K. Wood

That is another question.