79. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the Minister of Health whether he has received a communication from the guardians of the Dewsbury Union drawing attention to the serious position in which many poor people are placed as a result of the high rents charged for both furnished and unfurnished rooms, and urging the Government to introduce legislation to protect sub-tenants; whether he proposes to take any steps for the further protection of sub-tenants; and, in particular, whether he will consider inserting a new Clause in the Housing Bill to safeguard sub-tenants against unduly high rents?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYI have received this resolution. The Rent Restriction Acts contain provisions limiting the rent of both furnished and unfurnished sub-tenancies to which the Acts apply. In view of the state of Parliamentary business, I am afraid I cannot undertake to introduce further legislation for this purpose at the present time. The matter is not one which could be dealt with in the Housing (Financial Provisions) Bill.
Mr. HARVEYIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that under the present legislation the sub-tenants are adequately protected against overcharge?
§ Mr. WHEATLEYNo, I am not prepared to say I am satisfied.