HC Deb 11 December 1919 vol 122 cc1602-3
83. Major HURST

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the Moss Side district of Manchester accommodation in the foreign quarter on the north side of the city is offered as alternative accommodation within the meaning of the Rent Restriction Acts for tenants whose ejectment from houses in Moss Side is sought by landlords; and whether he will supplement the placard which the Ministry of Health is about to circulate in Manchester and Salford by an explanation of the meaning of alternative accommodation?

Dr. ADDISON

I have no information as to the first part of the question. It is for the Court to whom application is made for an ejectment order to decide, according to the circumstances of the particular case, what should be regarded as alternative accommodation for the purposes of the Acts.

Major HURST

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a certain type of speculator is buying up houses in the better suburbs, and at the same time is buying up inferior houses in the foreign quarter of Manchester into which they endeavour to get the tenants from the better houses in order to get a profit out of the better houses?

Dr. ADDISON

Yes, I am aware of the circumstances in that district.