§ 29. Mr. TAYLORasked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that, owing to the reduction in wages and widespread unemployment, many workers in the West of Scotland are unable to pay the existing rents; and will he introduce legislation to suspend the imposition of the additional 10 per cent. allowed by the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act?
§ Mr. MUNROI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health to a similar question by the hon. Member for Kirkcaldy (Mr. Kennedy).
§ Mr. TAYLORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very few Members heard what the Minister of Health said yesterday in reply to a question, and is he also aware that the Government found time to pass the original Act and all the amending Acts because of the circumstances that arose, and the hardship that was imposed both on owners and occupiers by not having a Rent Restriction Act; and does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Government can now find time to introduce legislation which would not cause very much controversy, and would prevent unrest and hardship?
§ Mr. MUNROI am aware that tenants at the present moment are suffering hardship; so are owners of this class of property, and I think it would be extremely difficult, having regard to the recent date of legislation that has been passed, to interfere still further in the direction of artificial legislation.
Sir J. D. REESIn any legislation which my right hon. Friend is introducing, will he insert a proviso that the landlords shall at least be allowed to live?