§ 31. Captain BAGLEYasked the Prime Minister whether it is the definite intention of the Government to carry out the promise given during the passing of the last Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act and introduce legislation in respect of business premises before 24th June next?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware of any such promise, and the Government do not contemplate legislation on this subject during the present Session.
§ Captain BAGLEYIs the Prime Minister aware that when this modification was urged on the House by the late Minister for Health, he stated that by the time the year was up the Government would have other proposals, and that he actually used these words:
If at the end of that time our other proposals be not sufficiently advanced, it would be quite a simple matter to prolong the Statute.Will the Prime Minister give consideration to that statement with a view to prolonging the Statute in regard to business premises.
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have given some consideration to this subject. We certainly cannot introduce legislation this year.
§ Colonel Sir C. YATEWill the Prime Minister have inquiry made from those who are administering the Act as to how it is working throughout the country, considering the great dissatisfaction which exists generally?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe have had a great deal of inquiry made. There is always a danger if you have a restriction of this kind that it discourages building operations.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the Prime Minister consult the county court judges and other persons who have been administering the Act as to how far and in what respect it has failed?
§ The PRIME MINISTERYes, but I am not at all sure that their opinion would be final in this respect. A special class of people comes before them. There are two sides to the question, and one side does not always come before the county court judge.