HC Deb 17 February 1919 vol 112 cc522-4
50 Mr. ROWLANDS

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the attention of the Government has been called to the numerous notices which have been served on tenants to give up possession of the houses they occupy unless they are pre- pared to buy the houses on the terms fixed by the landlords; and if the Government proposes to take any action in view of the impossibility of the tenants being able to find other houses;

(2) Whether the Government intends to introduce a Bill, as promised in the last Parliament, to give relief to leaseholders who have been called upon to carry out repairs and dilapidations under the difficult circumstances created by the War?

63. Sir ALFRED YEO

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present, grave shortage of houses and the growing practice of landlords and purchasers of existing house property to evict the tenants of houses of above £35 per annum rateable value, he will consider the advisability of at once taking steps to pass legislation to either raise the annual rateable value entitled to protection under the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Acts, 1915and 1918, and, at the same time, to take action to accelerate the provision of new houses, or will he consider the advisability of bringing in some protective measure in order to prevent these people being turned out of their houses?

82. Lieutenant-Colonel DALRYMPLE WHITE

asked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to take steps to cheek the prevalent and increasing practice of owners of small houses selling these houses over the heads of the tenants, and especially to obviate tenants of several years' standing being forcibly turned out of their homes?

Mr. BONAR LAW

This question is receiving immediate consideration by the Home Affairs Committee, and I hope to make a statement very shortly.

Mr. ROWLANDS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a great number of these people have received notice to quit, and that it will be impossible for them at the present time, however they try, to obtain houses to go into, and they will otherwise have to be protected by the process of the law?

Sir A. YEO

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am fully alive to the importance of this subject, and the Government will do everything they can to meet it sympathetically.

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