§ 52. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKEasked Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the city of Birmingham there is evidence that incoming tenants of controlled houses are being called upon to sign agreements undertaking to carry out interior repairs; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to put an end to this practice?
§ Sir K. WOODThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I would draw my hon. Friend's attention to Section 1 of the Housing Act, 1925, which provides that in any contract for letting a house at a rent not exceeding £26, or £40 in London, there shall, not- 2303 withstanding any stipulation to the contrary, be implied a condition that the house will be kept by the landlord during the tenancy in all respects reasonably fit for human habitation.