§ 65. Mr. G. Hardieasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in the Hampstead garden suburb, Golders Green, houses that before the War were rented at £30 per year on becoming vacant are raised to £72 and £78 plus rates; and will he take the necessary steps to prevent this overcharging?
§ Sir K. WoodI have no information relating to the first part of the question. As I have already announced, the Government are taking steps to set up a Departmental Committee to inquire into the operation of the Rent Restrictions Acts.
§ Mr. HardieHas the Minister no power to protect decent people who are now being overcharged? The Committee may go on sitting for months, and meanwhile those people are being put in a very difficult position.
§ Sir K. WoodPerhaps the hon. Member will send me particulars of the case he has in mind?
§ Mr. McGovernWill this inquiry also cover Scotland, or is there to be a separate Committee inquiring into Scotland?
§ Sir K. WoodI will look into that point.