§ 35. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the increasing hardship to tenants in that they are forced either to purchase or give up their houses when there are no other houses obtainable in certain neighbourhoods; and whether he will consider proposals for preventing eviction on these terms whilst giving a reasonable latitude to landlords to raise their rents sufficiently to cover the change in the cost of repairs, rates, and taxes?
§ The PRIME MINISTERAs I have previously stated, the whole question of the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts and of their extension, continuance or amendment is now being considered by a Committee, and I cannot anticipate their report.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTWhat is the Committee? What is its nature? What powers has it?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is a Committee appointed by the Cabinet to inquire into the whole subject
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the increasing disturbance throughout the country on this particular subject? Tenants are told that they must either buy or clear out, and that is causing a tremendous amount of hardship. Will he hasten matters?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThere are very few questions about which I get so many letters as this. I agree there is a good deal of anxiety, but the question is a very difficult and complicated one.
§ Mr. E. WOODMay we hope to get the report of this Committee by Lady Day—a very important date?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes. I hope so.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill the investigation extend to shopkeepers as well as householders?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think so.