§ 60. Mr. Gallacherasked the Minister of Health whether he will give for London, Greater London, the rest of England, Wales, and Scotland the number of dwelling-houses in each of the following categories, respectively, at present controlled under the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Acts, 1920–25: dwelling-houses not exceeding £20 in rateable value or net annual value in the Metropolitan police district and the City, £26 5s. in Scotland, and £13 elsewhere, and dwelling-houses exceeding the above figures in rateable or net annual value in the respective areas but not exceeding £45 in rateable value or rent in the Metropolitan police district and the City and in Scotland, and £35 elsewhere; how many dwelling-houses in each of these groups have been decontrolled under the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1923, in each of the said areas; and how many dwelling-houses were excluded from control by Sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1933?
§ Sir K. WoodIt is not possible to give the information in relation to areas, but so far as England and Wales are concerned, the number of houses taken out of control by the 1933 Rent Act was about 450,000. There are from 3,500,000 to 4,000,000 controlled "C" class houses and rather over 1, 000,000 decontrolled "C" class houses. The number of controlled "B" class houses gradually diminishes by the operation of decontrol. It was estimated that in 1933 there were about 1,250,000 controlled "B" class houses, but I have no information as to the number to-day. The numbers of houses now in the various categories mentioned will no doubt be examined by the Departmental Committee about to be set up to inquire into the working of the Rent Restriction Acts. As regards Scotland, a question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.
§ Sir Francis FremantleWhen is that Departmental Committee likely to be set up?
§ Sir K. WoodShortly, I hope.