HC Deb 01 March 1938 vol 332 cc893-5
10. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many houses in Scotland will be affected by the proposal of the Government to adopt the recommendation of the Inter-Departmental Committee to decontrol houses rented at £35 a year and over; and what action the Government propose to take to prevent the rents of these houses being increased following decontrol?

Mr. Elliot

The estimated number of houses in Scotland with a yearly value exceeding £35 but not exceeding £45, and at present subject to rent control, is about 50,000. The Ridley Committee found that there was no longer any serious shortage, even in Scotland, of houses of this class. No general action of the kind suggested by the hon. Member is, therefore, proposed.

Mr. Kirkwood

In the event of the property owners raising the rents of those houses, what action do the Government propose to take to protect the tenants?

Mr. Elliot

That is a hypothetical question.

11. Mr. Kirkwood

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many pre-war houses in Scotland have had rents increased under the Rent Restrictions Acts since 1921; what is the estimated total amount of the increased rent per annum paid by the tenants; and is he aware that numerous organisations and local authorities are requesting a reduction in the postwar rents of pre-war houses because of the reductions in wages which have taken place since the property owners were permitted to raise rents by 47½ per cent. over the pre-war standard?

Mr. Elliot

The estimated number of pre-war houses in Scotland to which the Rent Restrictions Acts originally applied is 986,000. No information as to the total amount of rent paid by the tenants in excess of the 1914 rent is available. I have not myself received any representations to the effect suggested in the last part of the question.

Mr. Kirkwood

Am I to understand from the Secretary of State that he has not received representations from various organisations with a view to securing a reduction in the rents of this type of house?

Mr. Elliot

No, Sir. I think representations were made to the Ridley Committee, but I have not received any.

Mr. Maxton

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the supply of houses in Scotland is such as to justify decontrol?

Mr. Elliot

That is a question which the House will debate to-morrow afternoon.

Mr. Maxton

Surely I am entitled to have from the Minister a reply to my question?

Mr. Elliot

I agree with the Ridley Committee that as there is no serious shortage, even in Scotland, of houses in that class, it is reasonable that they should be decontrolled.

Mr. Kirkwood

Surely the Minister will give a more adequate answer, because although there is to be a Debate to-morrow—[Interruption.]

14. Mr. T. Johnston (for Mr. Cassells)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of subjects registered as decontrolled in Scotland under the Rent Restrictions and Mortgage Interest (Amendment) Act, 1933, Section 2?

Mr. Elliot

Information as to the number of houses registered as decontrolled by local authorities in Scotland is not available. The Ridley Committee estimated that 140,000 pre-war houses in Scotland with a yearly value of £26 5s. or less have become decontrolled.

15. Mr. Johnston (for Mr. Cassells)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dwelling-houses in Scotland do not have a rateable value of £35 sterling?

Mr. Elliot

It is estimated that the total number of houses in Scotland with a yearly value of £35 or less is about 994,000.

16. Mr. Johnston (for Mr. Cassells)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that any system of decontrol of dwelling-houses in Scotland would favour landlords, with serious consequences to the tenants affected, he is prepared to extend the scope of the present Rent Act to all houses in Scotland let at a rental up to and including £35 per annum, exclusive of rates?

Mr. Elliot

Under the Government's proposals all houses in Scotland with a yearly value of £35 or less, and at present subject to rent control, will remain controlled and will not be subject to decontrol when the proprietor obtains vacant possession. It is not proposed to extend the area of control to houses not at present controlled.