HC Deb 09 June 1920 vol 130 cc404-5
62. Lieut.-Colonel Sir S. HOARE

asked the Minister of Health whether, under the Rent Restriction Act or the provisions of the new Bill, it is possible for an owner to obtain possession of his house if he wishes to live in it himself?

Dr. ADDISON

Under the Increase of Rent (Amendment) Act, 1919, the owner of a house to which the restrictive provisions of the Acts apply can obtain an order for possession on the ground that he requires it for his own occupation if the Court, after considering all the circumstances and particularly the alternative accommodation available for the tenant, considers it reasonable to make such an order. A similar somewhat strengthened in favour of the tenant, will be found in Clause 5 of the Bill now before the House, to which I may perhaps refer my hon. and gallant Friend.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman make special provision to deal with the case of a working man who has bought his house by instalments and comes back and wants to live in it himself and is unable to obtain possession?

Dr. ADDISON

I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means by "comes back," but if he comes back from the War, it is specifically provided that he would be entitled to obtain possession of the house.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Will the case where a man has been called away—

Mr. SPEAKER

Those are matters which can be discussed in Committee on the Bill.