HC Deb 15 September 1931 vol 256 cc670-1
21. Mr. KIRKWOOD

asked the Minister of Health whether, in addition to the economies already proposed, he will consider introducing a Bill to reduce the rents of working-class houses by the 40 per cent. that has been permitted by way of increase under recent Acts of Parliament?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am unable to add anything to the statements made by the Prime Minister in replying to the hon. Member for Gorbals (Mr. Buchanan) on the 10th instant.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the order of the Government, of which he is part and parcel, is for equal sacrifice in the matter of cuts. Surely this is an opportunity— [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech"]—where a cut would be very effective. [HON. MEMBERS: "Speech."] There was no mention of "Speech" when an hon. Member opposite took two minutes to ask a supplementary question.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member will ask his question he will be quite in order.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is not this an opportunity for the right hon. Gentleman to put into operation the policy of equal sacrifice? The property owners of this country have had an increase in rents through the action of Parliament—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech"]. Is not this an opportunity to reduce rents by the amount of the increase?—[Interruption.] I want a reply.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has not asked his question yet.

Mr. R. A. TAYLOR

Can the Minister of Health—

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Sit down! [Interruption.] All I want is an answer to my supplementary question and I am not allowing anyone to interfere.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I can only give the same answer to the supplementary as I did to the original question. I cannot add anything to the statement already made by the Prime Minister.

Mr. SHINWELL

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how he can reconcile the continuance of rents at their present level having regard to the cuts in unemployment benefits?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is only a repetition of yesterday's Debate.

Mr. MACLEAN

Arising out of the question—

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Owing to the unsatisfactory reply I have received from the Minister of Health, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question at the first available moment, either to-night or any other night; and I will put you through it.