§ 35. Sir WALTER de FRECEasked the Minister of Health how many representations he has received from tenants of buildings erected in connection with housing schemes alleging inability to pay the rents demanded by the various local authorities; and what policy he is adopting in dealing with such cases?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Alfred Mond)Representations from tenants in favour of a reduction of rents have been received in a few cases only, and I am satisfied that the rents which have so far been fixed are not beyond the ability of the working classes to pay. The rents are fixed by local authorities in accordance with prescribed rules which fully protect the tenants against excessive charges. 40 The rents so fixed have ultimately to be approved by my Department in order that the local authority may earn the full Exchequer subsidy. In some cases a difference of opinion has arisen between the local authority and the Department and these cases are referred to an independent Tribunal for settlement.
§ Mr. INSKIPDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that 22s. 6d. is the sort of rent that an ex-service man ought to be called upon to pay for these places; and if that is the rent which is being asked, and it is largely due to the very large proportion charged for rates, will he consider any new arrangement for fairly rating these new houses?
§ Sir A. MONDI do not know to what cases the hon. Member is referring. In the cases I have had brought to my notice the rents are very much lower.
§ Mr. INSKIPIf I supply the right hon. Gentleman with cases where 22s. 6d. is being charged to ex-service men for new cottages will he consider whether any steps can be taken to fix proper rates for these houses?
§ Sir A. MONDI will certainly look into the cases if the hon. Member will send me particulars.