§ 13. Mr. STEPHEN (for Mr. MACLEAN)asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many houses are becoming uninhabitable through the neglect of the owners to repair them; and whether he will consider the issuing of instructions to local authorities to compel owners to spend the percentage increase of rents for repairs upon the necessary repairs of these houses and thereby increase employment in the building trades?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe issue of certificates on the application of tenants under the Rent Restrictions Acts is within the discretion of local authorities and I am not empowered to issue such instructions as the hon. Member suggests.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the right hon. Gentleman not going to take steps under the Emergency Powers Act to reduce rents in view of the hardships of the people at the present time?