HC Deb 23 April 1941 vol 371 cc167-9
35. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the disproportionate rents still being charged by householders to sub-tenants who have evacuated from bombed areas; that teachers and other evacuees in certain towns have had to pay 25s. for a single unfurnished room; and what further steps he proposes to take to prevent the charging of extortionate rents?

Miss Horsbrugh

As regards furnished lettings, I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a reply which my right hon. Friend gave on 3rd April to the hon. Member for Llanelly (Mr. J. Griffiths) together with a copy of the Circular, dated nth April, mentioned in that reply. As regards unfurnished sub-lettings, the Rent Restriction Acts provide a simple remedy, and I have no evidence that there is any general tendency to overcharge sub-tenants. Such sub-lettings are subject to a definite standard rent, a statement of which the tenant is obliged under penalty to give to the sub-tenant on demand, and, in cases of doubt, the standard rent may, on the application of the sub-tenant, be determined by the Courts. I should be glad to have details of any cases which have come to the notice of my hon. Friend so that I may at once look into them.

Mr. Sorensen

Would it be possible to have a notice placed in post offices and outside town halls so as to acquaint the many inquirers with the facts to which it is desired to draw their attention?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think some publicity would be advisable, but there are so many notices outside post offices and town halls, where some seem to be pasted over the others.

Sir Francis Fremantle

Would the reply also protect the sub-sub-tenants from the extortionate charges of the subtenants?

Miss Horsbrugh

If my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any difficulties of sub-sub-tenants, I shall be glad to look into them.

Mr. Silverman

Is the hon. Lady aware that the provisions of the Rent Restriction Acts with regard to unfurnished rooms are largely rendered abortive by the partial furnishing of such rooms, and would it not be possible, by legislation if necessary, to introduce regulations applying to furnished as well as to the unfurnished types of rooms?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think that my hon. Friend will agree that there is a difficulty in laying down a scheme for partially furnished rooms. It is difficult to assess the value of furniture in any particular furnished place, and that makes the position more difficult, but if my hon. Friend will bring to my notice any particular cases, I will look into them all.