CLAUSE 47.—(Conditions to be observed by local authorities.) (Hansard, 2 July 1935)

§ Sir G. COLLINS

I beg to move, in page 37, line 10, to leave out from the beginning to "may," in line 17, and to insert "but."

There was considerable discussion in Committee as to the use of the words "maximum rent," and the general view was expressed that they should be deleted because they might lead to a misunderstanding of the situation. This and the following Amendment will have the effect of deleting from the Sub-section the provision for the determination by the Department of the maximum rents. No new policy, however, is intended by this change. It is still the policy of the Government, as my hon. Friend has said, that low wage earners should obtain accommodation at rents which they are able to pay. It is only the method of achieving this end which is being changed. The determination of a maximum figure which would limit the rents paid by low wage earners in a district or in different parts would present considerable difficulties, and therefore, instead of limiting the rent based on the 1802 maximum rent which we had in the Bill, we have now discarded those words, and the Clause will read: In fixing rents the authority shall take into consideration the rents ordinarily payable by persons of the working classes in the locality but may grant to any tenant rebates from rent subject to such conditions as may be prescribed with a view to ensuring that rebates are granted only in such cases and of such amounts as may be necessary, having regard to the financial circumstances of the tenant. I think that the House will see from the undertaking I have just given that there is no change. It is simply the deletion of the words "maximum rent" which we were anxious to secure if possible, and by this means we have secured it. It is for that purpose that we have put the Amendments on the Paper.