HC Deb 10 July 1923 vol 166 cc1268-9

  1. (1) Where the purchase of any furniture or other articles is required as a condition of 1269 the grant, renewal, or continuance of a tenancy or sub-tenancy of a dwelling-house to which the principal Act applies, if the price demanded exceeds the reasonable price of the articles, the excess shall be treated as if it were a fine or premium required to be paid as a condition of the grant, renewal, or continuance, and the provisions of Section eight of the principal Act, including penal provisions, shall apply accordingly.
  2. (2) Where a tenant who by virtue of the principal Act retains possession of a dwelling-house to which that Act applies requires that furniture or other articles shall be purchased as a condition of giving up possession, if the price demanded exceeds the reasonable price of the articles the excess shall be treated as a sum asked to be paid as a condition of giving up possession, and the provisions of Sub-section (2) of Section fifteen of the principal Act (including penal provisions) shall apply accordingly.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), to leave out the words "if the price demanded," and to insert instead thereof the words the price demanded shall be stated in writing and if such price. The object of this Amendment is to protect the tenant. In many cases landlords make a little extra when they are letting by asking payment for the keys and for other matters, and we want to protect the tenant so far as that is concerned, in cases where the house is furnished. I have been discussing the matter with some of my colleagues and I have met the Minister of Health, and I believe that he is accepting this Amendment in order to protect the tenant.

Mr. SPEAKER

There will be a consequential Amendment.

Mr. GRIFFITHS

Yes.

Mr. McENTEE

I beg to second the Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

8.0. P.M.

Further Amendment made: In Sub-section (2), leave out the words "if the price demanded," and insert instead thereof the words "the price demanded shall be stated in writing, and if such price."—[Mr. Griffiths.]