§ 33. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Minister of Agriculture what was the approximate annual revenue of the Crown Lands Department from Regent Street ground rents in 1913; and what is the amount now annually accruing on that account?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThe approximate annual revenue from Regent Street ground rents in 1913 was £65,000. The amount at the present time is about £520,000.
§ Lieut.-Colonel MOOREDoes my right hon. Friend think that it is the proper policy for the Government to raise these rents so substantially to their tenants and yet at the same time by conversion to reduce the income by which the rents have to be paid?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIt might also be said that up to 1913 the tenants were enjoying £500,000 worth of property for £60,000.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the increase in the rents fall to the Chancellor of the Exchequer or to private individuals?
§ Mr. ELLIOTIt comes to us—my hon. Friend and myself.
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSIs there any private landlord who has made such exactions as the State?