HC Deb 22 April 1918 vol 105 cc671-3
41. Sir ALFRED YEO

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether the Committee to inquire into the working of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, has been appointed yet; and what provision has been made for the representation of the tenants' interests thereon?

47. Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on the Committee recently set up to inquire into the working of the Rent, etc., Act of 1915, and rents after the War, a representative of the property owners' organisation has been appointed, but no representative of the tenants' organisation has been appointed; and if he will see that this distinction is remedied by the appointment of a representative of the tenants?

The MINISTER of RECONSTRUCTION (Dr. Addison)

The Terms of Reference and the names of the members of this Committee were published in the Press a few days ago. The members of the Committee were selected on the basis not of the representation of particular interests but of their knowledge and experience of the problems to be inquired into, and I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that the Committee will lack neither knowledge of the tenants' interests nor sympathy with their difficulties.

Sir A. YEO

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that whilst property owners are represented the people who pay the rents have not a representative on the Committee at all?

Mr. ADDISON

The Vice-Chairman of the London County Council Housing Committee, who is probably the gentleman referred to, was chosen because of his experience there. I think the interests of the tenants are fully safeguarded in the presence of the right hon. Member for Woolwich and other members of the Committee.

Mr. ROWLANDS

is my right hon. Friend not aware that the gentleman who is a member of the London County Council is also the representative of the Property Owners' Association, and does he not think if a Committee is set up to get fair opinion the interests of the tenants can only be looked after by those who are well informed through having the organisation of the tenants at their disposal?

Dr. ADDISON

I did my best to appoint a Committee of people who will fairly represent the interests on both sides. I never expected to get a Committee which would please everyone.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Is it not usual, when you set up a Committee, to see that all the interests are represented if parties and interests are to be upon it at all?

Dr. ADDISON

There are no partisan interests. I am sure Mr. Rowntree, Mr. Crooks, and Mr. Neville will adequately represent the interests of the tenants.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that one gentleman on that Committee is the representative of the property owners, and negotiated with the Local Government Board on that side during the whole of the communications in connection with the Rent Act?

Dr. ADDISON

I was not aware of that.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

Having learnt that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman now take steps to have a representative of the tenants upon the Committee?

Dr. ADDISON

No; I cannot undertake to do that. This gentleman was not appointed because of that. I was not aware that he had done that work, and I have declined altogether at all times to appoint people on these Committees, because they represent particular interests.

Mr. BILLING

Will the gentleman now be called upon to resign his position?

Mr. P. A. HARRIS

Would it not have been better in getting a representative of the London County Council to choose the Chairman of the Housing Committee instead of the Vice-Chairman?