HC Deb 03 February 1938 vol 331 cc380-2
69. Mr. McGovern

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Master of the Rolls in the Court of Appeal to the effect that no house is decontrolled unless the landlord or his agent has taken physical possession of his house previous to being re-let; and whether he will consider issuing an official statement on the position created by this interpretation of the law in view of the fact that thousands of tenants are affected by this decision?

Sir K. Wood

I have seen a report of the case to which the hon. Member refers, but I do not think that I can usefully issue any statement on the subject.

Mr. McGovern

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think it is time that some general statement was made indicating to tenants the position into which they are placed in these conditions; and is he aware that there are thousands of illegal practices being perpetrated upon tenants, and should not his Department issue some general legal instructions to tenants as to how they are affected?

Sir K. Wood

I shall be glad to help in any way I can, but it is extremely difficult for my Department to issue a circular upon the legal position. Different interpretations might be made, and they might give rise to new decisions.

Mr. McGovern

As the Rent Restrictions Act has been passed by this House and applies to tenants, is it not the duty of the Minister of Health, in England at least, to see that landlords carry out the law properly?

Sir Francis Fremantle

Is it not true that the existing Act already provides for local authorities to give the information which is asked for by the hon. Gentleman?

Sir K. Wood

I regret that I cannot undertake to make a statement as far as legal decisions in the courts are concerned.

Mr. McGovern

I am not asking for that, but surely it is the duty of the right hon. Gentleman to see that the Rent Restrictions Act is carried out in a legal manner, and I am asking that the legal definition of that Act should be property carried out by landlords and house agents in this country.

Sir K. Wood

My responsibilities are defined by the Act. I think that the Act is properly obeyed as far as the law is concerned.

Mr. McGovern

I desire to intimate that, owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible moment.

72. Mr. Hannah

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the consternation produced in many Midland circles by the proposed partial decontrol of rent-restricted houses; and whether he can see his way to postpone any such action until the new house-building programme has caught up with the demand?

Sir K. Wood

The whole question of the future of the Rent Restrictions Acts is at present under consideration by the Government, and my hon. Friend will appreciate that in the circumstances I am at the moment unable to make any statement on the question he raises.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the Minister aware that the Rent Restrictions Act was introduced as a result of the activities of the rebels on the Clyde, and will the hon. Member who asked the question inform his constituents?