§ 29. Mr. LESLIE SCOTTasked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered the serious inequalities now being caused by the operation of the Rent Restriction Acts as between the owners of small houses who are unable to raise their rents to meet the increased cost of upkeep and the depreciation of money, while their tenants are able by sub-letting to profiteer with impunity at the owners' expense, and the owners of business premises who are, in many cases, demanding exorbitant and unjustifiable increases to the great injury of small traders and professional men; whether he has any statement as to the policy of the Government in regard to the competing claims of owners and tenants; and, if not, whether time will be allotted for a discussion of the whole Question?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regret that I cannot add anything to previous answers on this subject. Until the Committee has reported, I think that a discussion would be premature.
§ Mr. HOUSTONCan the right hon. Gentleman give any indication of the description of the Committee and when it sits, because I have many applications to make?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI rather think the information has been given, but I will find out and let my hon. Friend know.