HC Deb 25 November 1937 vol 329 cc1403-4
59. Mr. Ammon

asked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take against the firm of Claude Leigh Management, Limited, which is buying up large blocks of working-class house property in London, and on various pretexts displacing tenants from controlled tenancies and by such means forcing up the level of rents to working people?

Sir K. Wood

I have no jurisdiction in regard to the matters to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Bellenger

May I ask whether, if the suggestion contained in the question is correct, it would be a case for the courts?

Sir K. Wood

I must not, of course, be taken as assenting in any way to the statements in the question. I have no knowledge of this.

Mr. Ammon

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of companies which are buying up working-class properties throughout London and dealing with them in this way?

Sir K. Wood

This question refers to a particular firm. I must not be taken as assenting to any of the statements contained in the question.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is not excellent work being done by some of these companies which are buying up houses which are derelict, and improving them?