HC Deb 31 March 1920 vol 127 cc1233-5
25. Mr. LESLIE SCOTT

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the case of Messrs. W. S. Taylor and Company, sack mer- chants and hydraulic packers, who have been tenants of premises in Liverpool for over 20 years; is he aware that they have fitted up several heavy hydraulic packing cases, together with other plant and machinery requiring expensive concrete foundations; that the rent payable by them up to May, 1916, was £315, which was then increased to £450 for three years; that on the 1st June, 1919, it was raised to £600, and on the 1st October, 1919, to £900 for one year to 30th September, 1920; that notice terminating the tenancy on 30th September next has now been received, with a notification that a rent of at least £1,600 will be required for another year, which may on expiry be further increased; and that it is impossible for the firm to find other premises suitable for their trade or to bear such an increase to standing charges; and whether, in view of the large staff employed by the firm, he will draw the special attention of the committee now considering the rent restrictions to this particular case?

Dr. ADDISON

I am informed that the firm in question have communicated directly with the Committee.

Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERY

Will my right hon. Friend consider the desirability of introducing a Clause into the new Bill which would give the tenants, without limitation of small rents, the right of appeal, say, to a Judge of the High Court?

Dr. ADDISON

That suggestion, along with many others, is being considered by the Committee which is now sitting.

26. Mr. G. W. H. JONES

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that tradesmen are being compelled to pay extortionate rents in order to retain their shops, and whether he will bring in a measure which will give them the benefit of the Rent Restriction Acts?

Dr. ADDISON

I can only refer to the answer which I gave the hon. Member for Blackley (Mr. Briggs) on Thursday last, of which I will send him a copy

Mr. RAFFAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when the Committee is likely to report?

Dr. ADDISON

I know the Report is in draft, and I hope it will be available very shortly.

Mr. FRANCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is the greatest hardship on small shopkeepers in all parts of the country, who are being practically held up to ransom and having increased rents placed upon them; that after they have built up a business in certain premises the landlord is taking advantage of that to raise the rent of this type of property?

Dr. ADDISON

It is for the consideration of those hardships that the Committee was appointed.

Sir F. FLANNERY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these hardships are not confined to small shopkeepers, but that large manufacturers are being victimised in the same way, and will he bring specially before this Committee the question of removing restrictions on rents?

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.