HC Deb 04 November 1919 vol 120 cc1314-5
59. Mr. CLYNES

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a Resolution, passed by the Manchester and Salford Trades and Labour Council, expressing indignation at profiteering in houses, protesting against tenants being evicted, and drawing his attention to hardships resulting in cases where houses have been bought and tenants with families rendered homeless through being turned out of them; and whether, in view of conditions created in Manchester, he can take steps at once to alter the law and prevent ejectments which are threatened?

The PAYMASTER-GENERAL (Sir Tudor Walters)

I have been asked to answer this question. A Resolution has been received from the Manchester and Salford Trades and Labour Council, and I have also received a letter from the Manchester, Salford and Counties Property Owners' Association asking for an opportunity to be heard in reply to this Resolution. Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with my right hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so. All tenants who come within the provisions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Restriction Act are protected, even at the hands of a purchaser of a house. If a man buys a house to live in himself or to put one of his workpeople in he cannot obtain an ejectment order except by application to a Court, and it is the duty of the Court to examine all the circumstances of the case, including the alternative accommodation that can be provided for the tenant.

Mr. CLYNES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is alleged in the case of the Court in Manchester that the discretion is exercised usually in favour of the owner and not the tenant?

Sir T. WALTERS

I have not received any information of that kind, and I should require evidence to believe that a Court of Law would deal unfairly.

Mr. CLYNES

In view of the situation in Manchester may I ask the hon. Gentleman to represent to the head of the Department the necessity for taking steps immediately?

Sir T. WALTERS

My right hon. Friend is fully advised of the matter and is now prosecuting inquiries to ascertain what are the actual facts.