§ 78. Mr. J. Hallasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the widespread dissatisfaction existing among tenants of decontrolled working-class houses and the consequent action to obtain reduction of rents by the formation of tenants' defence leagues; and whether he is prepared to hold an inquiry into the question of excessive rentals?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware that in one or two areas dissatisfaction has been expressed with the rents of decontrolled 2624 houses, but not that such dissatisfaction is widespread. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. HallIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that rent strikes are spreading because people are discovering that the only way to bring rents down to a proper level is to take action of that character, and would it not be advisable for the Government to take stops which would render such action unnecessary?
§ Mr. ElliotIt is hoped that action will be taken in some cases by the local authorities.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the right hon. Gentleman come down during the Recess to some of these areas to see the appalling houses and find out what rents are charged for them, and would that not be a profitable way for the right hon. Gentleman to spend his long Recess?
§ Mr. SorensenIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these rent strikes are entirely spontaneous and, in view of the success attending similar strikes in other parts of London, would it not be well for the right hon. Gentleman to take action so as to obviate the need for further movements of that kind?