HC Deb 25 February 1937 vol 320 cc2176-8
56. Sir Frank Sanderson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that small houses with no bathroom and no facilities for heating water which, whilst controlled, were rented at 9s. and 10s. weekly, when they fall into the possession of the landlord and become decontrolled are being relet at £1 and 25s. weekly; and whether, as in many areas of Greater London these are the only houses available to workers of limited means, he will take powers to ensure that the rents charged are more in keeping with the accommodation offered?

Sir K. Wood

I have no reason to suppose that increases on the scale mentioned by my hon. Friend are common. The Government agree with the view of the Marley Committee which inquired into this question, that the reimposition of control on decontrolled houses would create as many anomalies as it would cure.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that exorbitant rents are being extracted from those who are least able to pay, and that it is useless to talk to these people about physical culture and fitness?

Sir K. Wood

This matter was carefully examined by a committee under the chairmanship of Lord Marley, upon which representatives of various parties sat, and they came to the conclusion that while there may be difficulties such as those to which the hon. Member has referred, any reimposition of control would only increase the anomalies.

Sir F. Sanderson

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are large numbers of people who are paying these extravagant rents, and that not only I but other hon. Members can give him chapter and verse?

Sir K. Wood

That may be the case, but the hon. Member is asking me to reimpose control, and that I do not think is desirable.

Mr. Duncan

Has any decision been reached with regard to the control after 1938 of these controlled houses?

Sir K. Wood

Not yet.

Mr. E. J. Williams

Would it not be far better to reintroduce the subsidy to local authorities in order to allow them to provide houses?

Sir K. Wood

I think the housing programme is making good progress.

57. Sir F. Sanderson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, whilst houses under a rateable value of £20 a year remain controlled, there is no control over the rents that may be charged for an unfurnished room or group of rooms in any house; and whether, as profiteering and extortion occur in connection with rents charged for unfurnished rooms, he will take steps to restrict these rents, so as to protect the poorest section of the community?

Sir K. Wood

I presume that my hon. Friend is referring to sub-let rooms in decontrolled houses, as he is no doubt aware that sub-let rooms in controlled houses are covered by the Rent Acts. The Government are not prepared to recommend the re-imposition of control on decontrolled houses.