HC Deb 08 March 1938 vol 332 cc1695-6
23. Mr. Westwood (for Mr. T. Johnston)

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many of the local authorities in the larger burghs and cities of Scotland have endorsed the official evidence tendered in writing by the Corporation of Glasgow to the Rent Restrictions Acts Committee in July, 1937, paper 53 B, paragraph 5, recommending the continuance of control of B-class houses under the Rents Restrictions Acts for at least five more years?

Mr. Elliot

The Corporations of Edinburgh and Dundee submitted independently evidence to the Rent Restriction Committee to the effect, in the case of Dundee, that the Rent Restriction Acts should be continued as they at present stand and, in the case of Edinburgh, that decontrol should take place as soon as this could be done without hardship. The Corporation of Glasgow submitted that the provisions of the existing Acts should be continued in force for at least five more years. The Government's proposals, following the recommendations of the Ridley Committee, provide for the division of class B houses into two sections, decontrolling houses above £35 annual value in Scotland, and stopping the decontrol of houses below that figure. Since the publication of the Ridley Committee Report the Town Council of Dumbarton has sent me a resolution opposing in every way the recommendations of the Ridley Committee; and the Town Council of Kilmarnock has expressed the opinion that any proposal to decontrol rents is inopportune and has urged the Government to continue the present regulations on the subject.

Mr. Davidson

In view of these protests, will the right hon. Gentleman consider making an inquiry of local authorities all over Scotland in order to obtain their views?

Mr. Elliot

The inquiry has been held, and the decision has been announced.

Mr. Westwood

Can we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that when going into Committee on the Rent Restrictions Bill he will give the full facts in connection with Glasgow's case instead of trying to mislead the Committee as he endeavoured to mislead the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker rose

—

Mr. Elliot

It is rather hard that I should be accused of attempting to mislead the House of Commons without having an opportunity of replying.

Mr. Speaker

The right hon. Member can reply if he cares to do so.

Mr. Elliot

I repudiate entirely the suggestion that I have in any way attempted to mislead the House of Commons, and I challenge the hon. Member on the printed report of my speech in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Westwood

We shall endeavour to accept the challenge when we are in Committee.