§ 24. Mr. WALLACEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the provisions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act apply to the houses at Rosyth occupied by the dockyard employés and having regard to the dissatisfaction there at the high rents existing before the passing of the Act, he will order a new inquiry into the whole question at which the Rosyth workers would be represented?
§ Sir J. CRAIGThe rents charged to dockyard workers at Rosyth have not only been made the subject of special inquiry from time to time, but they are continuously under consideration at the Admiralty. An inquiry has recently been instituted into the rents paid at all Admiralty establishments throughout the country with the object of fixing as far as possible uniform rents for similar accommodation, but the results of this investigation are not yet to hand. Under the circumstances, it is not considered necessary to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. WALLACEDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose any immediate increase of rent at Rosyth under the Act?
§ Sir J. CRAIGNo, Sir; there is no automatic increase of rent under the Act. It is not proposed to make any increase of rent at the present time. Moreover, after the report to which I have referred is received, if we find there are any special cases in which it may be necessary to raise the rent the Admiralty will carefully consider them.
§ Mr. WALLACEWhen does the hon. and gallant Gentleman expect to have the result of these investigations?
§ Sir J. CRAIGI hope very shortly.