HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2225-6
50. Colonel NEWMAN

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the public anxiety with regard to the approaching termination of the Rent Restriction Act; and has he been able to impress on the Government the necessity of placing on the Statute Book legislation on somewhat similar lines to that of the Town Tenants (Ireland) Act?

Sir A. MOND

As I have previously pointed out, the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act does not expire until June, 1923. It is not proposed to introduce legislation on the lines suggested in the latter part of the question.

51. Sir WALTER de FRECE

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a Departmental or other inquiry into the desirability, or otherwise, of extending the Rent Restriction Act so that the public will be able to arrive at an impartial understanding of the whole question?

Sir A. MONO

As the present Act continues in force until June, 1923, the period recommended by Lord Salisbury's Committee, I do not think that any advantage would be gained by the appointment of another Committee at the present time.

Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Act is largely responsible for the present shortage of houses, because no private builder will build houses under the present conditions?

Sir W. de FRECE

Is there not a genuine anxiety as to what will happen when the Act does cease, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think it advisable to disarm criticism by now stating his policy?

Sir A. MOND

In view of the fact that it will be more than 12 months before the Act expires, I think it would be unwise now to lay down the policy.

82. Mr. HANNON

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the heavy burden of taxation imposed upon house property and the unremunerative condition of such property through the operation of the Rent Restriction Act, he will consider the cases of investors, such as small traders, thrifty artisans, and others, in this class of property in the preparation of his forthcoming Budget, so that reasonable concessions may be made where the margin of net rent is small or where actual loss is sustained?

Mr. YOUNG

I would remind my hon. Friend that, under the provisions of Rule 8 of No. V in Schedule A of the Income Tax Act, 1918, as amended by subsequent enactments, owners of the class of property in question can obtain relief from Income Tax in respect of the actual cost of maintenance and repairs on the average of the five preceding years.