HC Deb 06 July 1939 vol 349 cc1492-4
65. Sir P. Harris

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to do anything to deal with the serious unrest in East London owing to the increase in rents for rooms and houses which are decontrolled; whether he will consider appointing a committee to inquire into the problem of rent levels in East London; and, in the meantime, whether he will send down a Ministry of Health inspector to inquire into the subject on the spot and report to him without delay?

Mr. Elliot

As regards the first and second parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of 15th June. For the reasons given in that reply I am not prepared to adopt the suggestion made in the third part of the question.

Sir P. Harris

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the very serious discontent that is arising and of the appalling suffering resulting from conditions that are not only unpleasant but injurious to the health of the tenants and to their children; and would not he consider getting his inspectors to examine conditions on the spot with a view to establishing the necessity for some drastic action?

69. Mr. J. Hall

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the intensity of feeling which is being created by the increase of rents of decontrolled houses in London; and whether, in consequence of the many disturbances which have taken place owing to the high level of rents, he will be prepared to consider what steps might be taken to deal with the present unsatisfactory state of affairs?

Mr. Elliot

For the reasons contained in the reply on the same subject which I gave to the hon. Member on 15th June, I do not consider that action by me is called for.

Mr. Hall

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the amount of discontent that is being expressed in the East End of London almost daily, and would it not be better for him to deal with this matter by legislation rather than to allow troubles to arise whereby the tenants bring about a reduction of rent which the right hon. Gentleman could have done by legislation?

Mr. Elliot

The hon. Gentleman knows that the matter was very carefully inquired into and that legislation was pased in this House only last year.

Mr. Hall

Did not that legislation lead to the present trouble?

Mr. Buchanan

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that experience has shown various loopholes in that legislation, and will he not reconsider the matter in the light of the experience?

Mr. Elliot

If the hon. Member will communicate with me in regard to any specific case he has in mind, I shall be very glad to look into it.

Sir P. Harris

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider receiving a deputation of tenants affected by that legislation to hear their stories, as they are the real sufferers from that legislation?