§ 63. Mr. CASSELLSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, having regard to the hardships inflicted upon tenants by landlords as the result of decontrol of subjects, he is prepared to introduce legislation to extend the provisions of Section 2 of the Rent Restrictions Act, 1923, giving universal control to all subjects as specified in that Act?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe Rent Restrictions Acts expire, so far as Scotland is concerned, on 28th May, 1938, and in due course consideration will be given to the question what action, whether legislative or otherwise, may be required before that date. The hon. Member may rest assured that the interests of all concerned, including tenants of controlled houses, will be kept in view.
§ Mr. CASSELLSIs not the Minister aware that many subjects at the present moment are not protected by the Rent Restrictions Act, 1923, that their houses are decontrolled and that the tenants are at the whim and caprice of landlords; and in these circumstances is he prepared to take adequate steps to protect the interest of tenants?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am afraid that I am not in a position to give any undertaking at this stage. All these matters will be taken into consideration when the Rent Restrictions Acts come up for reconsideration.
§ Mr. CASSELLSMay I take it from the answer that I shall be required to wait until 1938 before repeating this question?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIf the hon. Member has cases which come within the law which are a hardship to the individual, and will communicate with me, I will make inquiries into the matter.