HC Deb 21 January 1943 vol 386 cc300-1
70. Mr. James Griffiths

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the growing public concern at the methods adopted to defeat the provisions of the Rent Restrictions Acts and at the excessive prices asked for houses offered for sale and the rentals charged for so-called furnished houses; and whether he will take immediate steps to protect the people against these forms of profiteering?

Mr. E. Brown

I have no reason to think that the protection afforded to tenants by the Rent Restrictions Acts is, in general, proving inadequate, and the reports which I receive regularly from local authorities show that they are using their powers under the Acts vigorously and with a large measure of success. If my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases where the Acts are being evaded, I will gladly have inquiries made. On the particular point of scantily furnished houses, I would refer him to Section 10 of the Act of 1923. With regard to houses offered for sale, I understand that in some reception areas there has been a rise in the price asked for houses for which vacant possession can be given, but I would remind my hon. Friend that requisitioning powers are available if these houses are required for various wartime purposes.

Mr. Griffiths

Do the powers of local authorities include powers to sue owners of houses who demand key money varying from £5 to £50 when they let a house?

Mr. Brown

I would like to give a considered answer to that Question, so perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper.

Mr. Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that insurance companies are circulating owners of property and urging them to increase their insurance and in that way encouraging the rise in the price of houses for sale? Will he take steps to stop that?

Mr. Brown

That does not arise from the Question. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put it on the Order Paper, so that I may give a considered answer.

Sir P. Harris

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that there is a very urgent demand for accommodation and that landlords are taking advantage of technical faults in the Act to evade the real purpose of rent restriction?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the right hon. Baronet will call my attention to the points he has in mind. As he knows, my Department and the local authorities are continuously active in this matter.