§ 15. Mr. LEWISasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that, as the law stands at present, if the tenant of a house subject to the provisions of the Rent Restriction Acts dies, and his widow having succeeded him as tenant subsequently dies also, his son if he has been residing in the house can claim to succeed to the tenancy as protected by the Acts; and if he will promote legislation to prevent the owner of the property being deprived of part of its value fur an indefinite period?
§ Mr. E. BROWNAs my 113n. Friend is aware, it was decided in July last, in the case of Pain v. Cobb, that the right of tenancy of a deceased statutory tenant does not pass to any person after the death of his widow. If my hon. Friend bases his statement of the law, as set out in the question, on a later decision of the Courts and will inform my right, hon. Friend to what particular decision he is referring, my right hon. Friend will be pleased to communicate with him.
§ 17. Mr. PARKINSONasked the Minister of Health when it is proposed to introduce the Bill to amend the Rent Restrictions Acts?
§ Mr. E. BROWNMy right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to say when it may be possible to introduce amending legislation.
§ Mr. PARKINSONCan the hon. Gentleman say whether it is likely that anything will be done in the present Session?
§ Mr. MAXTONWhat is the reason for the delay? Does not the hon. Member remember that this was announced in the King's Speech?
§ Mr. BROWNThe hon. Member is as well aware as I am that this is a difficult and complicated matter.
§ Mr. BUCHANANCan the hon. Member say if it is not a fact that the Cabinet cannot make up its mind on this matter?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the hon. Member not aware that in his own constituency they are up in arms against the Rent Restrictions Acts?