HC Deb 24 July 1922 vol 157 cc37-8
38. Mr. MYERS

asked the Prime Minister whether the Committee to deal with questions arising under the Rent Restrictions Act has yet been constituted; and, if so, whether he will state the names of the members of the Committee and the terms of reference?

Sir A. MOND

The Committee will consist of:—

  • The Right Hon. Member for Blackburn (Major Sir Henry Norman—Chairman).
  • The Noble Lord the Member for Hastings (Lord Eustace Percy).
  • The Hon. Member for the Kilmarnock Division (Mr. Alexander Shaw).
  • The Hon. and Gallant Member for East Rhondda (Lieut. - Colonel Watts-Morgan).
  • The Hon. and Gallant Member for Newcastle (East) (Major Barnes).
  • Sir Aubrey Symonds, K.C.B., Second Secretary, Ministry of Health.
  • His Honour Judge Sir Edward Bray.
  • A. S. D. Thomson, Esq., Sheriff Substitute for Lanarkshire.
  • T. White, Esq., Chairman of the National Federation of Assessment Committees.
  • B. P. Moodie, Esq., Assistant Secretary of the Scottish Office; and the
  • President of the Surveyors' Institute has also been asked to nominate a surveyor to serve on the Committee.
The Terms of Reference are: To consider the operation of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, and to advise what steps should be taken to continue or amend that Act. The Secretary of the Committee will be Mr. H. H. George, of the Ministry of Health.

Mr. MYERS

Is there any representative of the Tenants Association on the Committee?

Sir A. MOND

There are no representatives on the Committee of any special interests, either of tenants' or landlords' associations. The Committee will hear evidence from the various bodies, and form their conclusions on the evidence received.

Mr. A. SHORT

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of appointing a woman on the Committee?

Sir A. MOND

I think that the Committee is already very large. The questions to be decided are of a legal character, and when it comes to amending an Act of Parliament, the Committee should consist of those best qualified to give a decision on the matters involved.

Mr. MILLS

is it not a fact that from all sides of the House questions have been addressed repeatedly to the right hon. Gentleman, asking him whether it is the intention of the Government to continue this Act, as it is obvious that there will have to be some Amendment of the existing law, and in addition to the legal questions—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member cannot enter into an argument when asking a question.