HC Deb 31 May 1937 vol 324 cc666-7
37. Mr. W. Astor

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to announce the constitution and terms of reference of the proposed Rent Act Committee?

Mr. Bernays

Yes, Sir. The Chairman of the Committee will be Lord Ridley. The Members will be:

  • Councillor Arthur W. Brady.
  • Mr. Humphrey Brand.
  • The hon. and gallant Member for Chippenham (Captain Cazalet).
  • Mr. R. N. Duke.
  • Mr. C. Gerald Eve.
  • The hon. Member for St. Albans (Sir F. Fremantle).
  • Mr. H. H. Georģe.
  • The hon. Member for Hamilton (Mr. D. Graham).
  • Mr. D. S. MacDiarmid.
  • Alderman Sir Miles Mitchell.
  • The hon. Member for Islington, West (Mr. Montague).
  • His Honour Judge Sir Mordaunt Snagge.
  • The hon. Member for Frome (Mrs. Tate).
  • The hon. Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White).
The terms of reference are: To inquire into and report upon the present working of the Rent Restriction Acts and to advise what steps should be taken to continue or to terminate or amend those Acts. All communications should be addressed to the Secretary of the Committee at the Ministry of Health, Whitehall, S.W.I.

Mr. Astor

Would it be possible for the Committee under those terms of reference to recommend an extension of the Acts for a large number of houses?

Mr. Bernays

I should like notice of that question.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is not the composition of this Committee an insult to the women of the country as there is only one woman on it? It is an abomination to the House.

Mr. Bernays

I do not think the hon. Member has a right to say that when the woman is the hon. Member for Frome (Mrs. Tate).