§ 83. Sir EDWIN STOCKTONasked the Minister of Health if any statement can be supplied to the House showing the extra cost to the taxpayer of the reductions of rent which have, since the beginning of 1922, been sanctioned in respect 2554 of premises constructed under the subsidy scheme of the late Government?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINReductions in the rents originally agreed have been approved in respect of 568 local authorities, mainly since the beginning of 1922. The net amount involved by this reduction is approximately £150,000 per annum. It is difficult to say precisely what effect on the Exchequer is caused by any reduction in rent as it must to some extent depend, not only on the rent originally fixed, but on the rent which can actually be collected. Reductions are only approved when it can be shown that the rents charged are excessive. It is open to a local authority which is not satisfied with the rent approved by the Department to appeal to the independent tribunal appointed under the Housing Scheme Regulations.