HC Deb 16 June 1920 vol 130 cc1236-7
19. Mr. WALLACE

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the provisions of the Increase of Rent (Restrictions) Bill will apply to the houses at Rosyth occupied by the employés at the naval base there?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

I have been asked to reply to this question. So far as the houses in question fall within the rental limit prescribed in the Bill, I see no reason, as advised, to doubt that the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, as at present framed, will apply to these houses as it does to houses elsewhere.

Mr. WALLACE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the dissatisfaction exist- ing at present with the rates at Rosyth, and will a further inquiry be granted before any increase is made under the Rent Restrictions Bill? I understand this came under the Admiralty.

Mr. MUNRO

No, Sir, I do not think any further inquiry is required. If my hon. Friend will see me on the subject, I will consider it further, but I have answered the question as to whether these houses fall within the Act.

Mr. WALLACE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that hitherto all these houses have come under the Admiralty?

Mr. MUNRO

I am not aware of that. It is hardly a question for the Admiralty, or perhaps for me, whether these houses fall within the Act or not, but my hon. Friend, having put down the question, I have taken advice on the subject, and I am advised that these houses do fall within the Act.

39. Mr. CLOUGH

asked the Minister of Health whether, under the terms of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, he will define exactly what is understood by a shopkeeper using a shop as part of his dwelling-house; whether those cases in which one member of the family resides on the premises would be sufficient to bring it under the operation of the Act; and whether he can now make any further statement as to the terms of reference on which he proposes to appoint a Select Committee to consider the whole matter of business premises?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)

If the hon. Members will refer to the Bill he will see that it is specifically provided that its application to any house or part of a house shall not be excluded by reason only that part of the premises is used as a shop. I hope that the notice of the Motion for the appointment of the Select Committee will appear on the Paper within the next few days.