§ 39. Lieut-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Health why he has refused to receive a deputation from the 1842 construction, and the number authorised but not started, under the Housing Acts of 1923 and 1924, respectively, at 1st March, 1927, 1st March, 1928, and 1st March, 1929?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINAs the answer involves a tabular statement, I will, with the hon. Member's consent, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the statement:
§ Hull City Council and the Lord Mayor of Hull in connection with the Rating and Valuation Acts of 1925 and 1928; if he is aware that in connection with the reassessment of certain areas where 1928 has been adopted as the date of the first new valuation appreciable increases in the inclusive rents of tenants of small houses will be involved; if he is prepared to mitigate this effect so far as possible; if he is aware that the gross assessments of compounded houses in Hull have been increased by more than 50 per cent. over pre-War figures; and if, in view of the hardship caused in many cases of small tenants, he will reconsider his decision not to receive the deputation in order to discuss the matter fully?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have drawn the attention of the Hull City Council to the provisions of the Act of 1928, which were designed to mitigate as far as possible increases in inclusive rentals, and I have put before them certain considerations which appear to me to have a material bearing on the position. The large increase in the gross value attributed to small properties in Hull, which substantially exceeds the corresponding increase in the majority of other rating areas, is a matter within the discretion of the local rating and assessment 1843 authorities, but, as I have explained to the council, no action which it is open to me to take could affect the essential facts of the situation and, that being so, it does not appear to me that any useful purpose would be served by the attendance of the proposed deputation.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYCould not the matter be put right by a short agreed Act? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already the agents are issuing increased rent notices? Further, is it usual for him to refuse to receive a deputation from a city of 300,000 people?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe question whether I receive a deputation or not does not depend upon the population of the area which asks for it, but on the nature of the subject about which they wish to see me and the possibility of any useful purpose being served by receiving the deputation. As I pointed out, this increase is largely due to the fact that a greater increase in the valuation of properties has been imposed by the rating-authorities in Hull than has been the case elsewhere.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter affects 15,000 of the poorest people in Hull, who will have their rents put up every week?