HC Deb 29 April 1915 vol 71 cc828-9
45. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Prime Minister whether any emergency legislation is contemplated to deal with the question of increasing rents or whether the powers of the Emergency Courts are considered to be sufficient protection?

Mr. McKENNA

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this and following questions. The information at the disposal of the Government leads them to the opinion that there would seem to be, at present, no case for further special legislation, as any hard cases could be dealt with under the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act of 1914.

Mr. HOGGE

Will the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiries from such places, for instance, as Glasgow, where several charitable funds are now being raised to pay rents?

Mr. McKENNA

Does my hon. Friend mean under new contracts or old ones?

Mr. HOGGE

Under the old contracts?

Mr. McKENNA

Then hard cases can be dealt with under the existing law.