§ 64. Mr. BENNETTasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the overcrowding by tenants of leased houses, he will suggest. to the different boards of guardians that, they should prepare a report of all cases of rent relief to applicants who rent unfurnished rooms, giving the name of the owner and subletting lessee in each case, and the amount of rent received by each; and whether, if they have not the necessary powers to obtain such information, he will consider the desirability of obtaining them by legislation, with the object of preventing the abuse of overcharging by tenants who sublet?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Rent Restriction Acts already contain provisions, directed against the abuse of overcharging by tenants who sublet, and the County Courts are empowered, on the application of a landlord or tenant, to determine summarily any question as to the amount of rent properly payable. I do not think that there would be advantage in obtaining such reports as my hon. Friend contemplates, but where a board of guardians have reason to believe that an applicant is being charged an excessive rent, they can assist the applicant to obtain the redress provided 1913 by the Rent Restriction Acts, and such action has been taken by boards of guardians in some instances.