§ 68. Mr. Emeryasked the Minister of Health whether he is in a position to make a statement as to the continuance or otherwise of the Rent Restriction Acts on the expiration of the present Act?
§ Sir K. WoodI expect to receive shortly the report of the Rent Restriction Acts Committee who are investigating the whole question.
§ 71. Captain Pluggeasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the steady decline in the percentage of cases in which compensation is being paid for property scheduled for demolition under slum-clearance schemes, and that in many cases property owners are refusing to attend the inquiries because they feel that no proper regard is being paid to their side of the case; and whether he will take steps to ensure a more sympathetic attitude being adopted by his Department, in view of the fact that a serious slowing up of building is now occurring in all parts of the country owing to the increased difficulties in the way of those owning or controlling houses?
§ Sir K. WoodMy information is that the percentage is in fact increasing, and I am not aware that many owners are refusing to attend inquiries. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that my Department are endeavouring to administer the Act fairly, and with due regard to the interests of all concerned.