§ 31. Mr. James Hallasked the Minister of Labour the average increase in the rent of houses which were decontrolled in consequence of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restriction) Act?
§ Mr. E. BrownOn the basis of such information as is available to my Department, it is estimated that the rents (inclusive of rates and water charges) of working-class dwellings which have become decontrolled under the provisions of the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Acts are about 20 per cent. higher on average, than the rents of similar dwellings which are still subject to rent control under those Acts.
§ Mr. HallIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this increase of rents is responsible for the dissatisfaction which has expressed itself in different parts of the 605 country; and could not something be done to prevent that dissatisfaction being created?
§ Mr. BrownI am not responsible for that. I am responsible for providing the figure of the cost-of-living index.
§ 67. Mr. Hallasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the hardships endured by many people, he will introduce legislation to prevent the letting of decontrolled houses at exorbitant rents by companies specialising in such type of business?
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Elliot)I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to him on 15th June.
§ Mr. HallIs the Minister aware that the Unemployment Assistance Board, in their report, have called attention to the exorbitant rents of working-class houses in London? Cannot something be done to bring this intolerable state of affairs to an end?
§ Mr. ElliotParliament came to a decision on this matter last year.