HC Deb 17 November 1931 vol 259 cc676-7
76. Sir W. DAVISON

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the introduction of legislation prohibiting a tenant who has the protection of the Rent Restrictions Acts from subletting premises so protected or parts of the same at a total rental in excess of what the protected tenant himself pays to the landlord?

Sir H. YOUNG

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 12th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for St. Albans (Lieut.-Colonel Fremantle).

Sir W. DAVISON

Does my right hon. Friend not recognise the great resentment that is felt by so many people, who find that they are receiving a less rental from a house than the person who is occupying it and making a profit at their expense?

Sir H. YOUNG

I think the strength of the feeling to which my hon. Friend refers is quite fully recognised, and it shall be taken into consideration in the deliberations to which I have referred.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Does that not indicate to the Minister how necessary it is to go ahead with house building; and that the people would not have to pay these excessive rents if there were houses for them to go into?