HC Deb 24 June 1920 vol 130 cc2382-3
111. Sir J. BUTCHER

asked the Minister of Health whether, by the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Bill, as passed through this House, it is clearly provided that an owner of a dwelling-house who bought his house before 1917 is entitled to recover possession for occupation as a residence for himself without the necessity of providing alternative accommodation; and, if not, whether he will take steps to make this point clear before the Bill passes into law?

Dr. ADDISON

The Bill as passed through this House provides that the existence of alternative accommodation shall not be a condition of an order or judgment for the recovery of possession where the landlord became the landlord before the 30th September, 1917, and the dwelling-house is reasonably required by him for occupation as a residence for himself, and, in the opinion of the Court, greater hardship would be caused by refusing an order for possession than by granting it.

Sir J. BUTCHER

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statement made the other night was that the owner in such a case would not have to prove the question of hardship at all?

Dr. ADDISON

I have referred to the statement to which the hon. Member alludes, and this statement in my answer is the correct one.

Mr. LANE-FOX

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the Debate and see that the Bill is drawn in conformity with his statement made in the Debate?

Dr. ADDISON

I will look at the statement again.