§ 25. Mr. RANKINasked the Minister of Health whether he has now come to any decision with regard to the application of 5,800 tenants of Addison houses in the Liverpool area for a reduction in their rents; and what is his general policy with regard to this matter?
Sir H. YOUNGThe application of the Liverpool Corporation for a reduction of the rents of the houses referred to has recently been the subject of investigation and on the facts disclosed I am advised that no reduction is justified. As regards the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the report of my Department for the year 1931–32 (pages 100 to 103).
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether, when considering this case, the changed conditions of the people as between 1921, when the terms of reference to the tribunal were set up, and 1933, were taken into consideration?
Sir H. YOUNGYes, that is precisely the kind of thing which was taken into consideration, and I would remind the hon. Member that it is open to tenants to apply to a rents tribunal.
§ Mr. LOGANThousands of houses in Liverpool have had this rent reduction, and will the right hon. Gentleman explain why Addison houses have been refused the reduction?
§ Mr. GRAHAM WHITEMay I ask whether, in coming to a decision in this case, further information which is forwarded to his Department will be taken into account.
Sir H. YOUNGAll information which has reached the Department has been taken into account, and again I would remind the hon. Member that it is open to a tenant to apply to the rents tribunal.