50. Major NEWMANasked the Prime Minister whether he was aware that, contrary to the spirit of the Rent Increases Act, the expression standard rent, whether of a house or flat, had been held to include rates and taxes where the same were paid by the landlord; and was it his intention to introduce legislation to give effect to the intention of Parliament that in calculating a standard rent the pro portion due to rates and taxes must be deducted?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Major Astor)I have been asked to reply to the question of the hon. and gallant Member. I am aware that a decision has been given by the Court to the effect stated in the question, but I understand that the Government cannot undertake to introduce legislation at the present time to amend the Increase of Rent, etc., Acts.