HC Deb 15 July 1918 vol 108 cc704-5
58. Mr. WATT

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the recent Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest Act was meant by his Department to apply to all houses in Scotland under £30 rental, including those occupied by the owners themselves; if so, is he aware that some assessing authorities are raising on their valuation rolls the rentals of such houses, thus increasing the rents of these; and, if so, will he take any action, by circular or otherwise, to prevent local authorities from acting in this way?

Mr. MUNRO

I regret that I am still unable to grasp the point of my hon. and learned Friend's question. I may, however, remind him that it is the entry in the Valuation Roll for the year to May, 1915, which alone is relevant to the question whether or not the Act mentioned applies to a house in Scotland.

Mr. WATT

Does not the right hon. Gentleman see that this would prevent a breach of the Act?