§ 27 and 28. Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) whether he will ascertain the number of local authorities in Scotland who have set up rent advisory committees to publish information for the assistance of tenants; and how many such authorities have exercised the powers conferred upon them by Section 10 of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions (Amendment) Act, 1933;
(2) whether, having regard to the small number of local authorities in Scotland who have set up rent advisory committees, he will draw their attention to the powers conferred upon them by the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1933?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Elliot)As the whole question of rent restriction will have to be considered in the light of the report of the Interdepartmental Committee—which will be laid before Parliament at an early date—I do not think that any action such as the hon. Member suggests could appropriately be taken at present.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that confusion and uncertainty are felt by innumerable poor people in industrial areas in regard to increases of rents which are permissible, and having regard to the enormous benefit which has 188 been conferred on these people by those local authorities who have set up these committees, would it not be well for him to represent to the local authorities that they should follow that example?
§ Mr. ElliotI think that action would be more appropriate in connection with the forthcoming legislation which will be necessary to replace the Rent Restriction Act.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is already power to set up rent advisory committees which Parliament conferred upon these authorities after prolonged debate, and if those powers are not to be rendered nugatory, why will the right hon. Gentleman not remind local authorities that they should take that step?
§ Mr. ElliotI think the whole question of rent restriction will have to be reviewed in the light of the report.