§ 38. Mr. Glenvil Hallasked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to inform the House of the response by local authorities to his circular letter, dated 12th June, 1941, on the subject of high rents?
§ Mr. E. BrownI have not yet received replies from all the local authorities, but the majority of the reports received to date indicate that those local authorities have found no evidence of rent profiteering in their areas. In other areas the local authorities have been successful in securing appropriate rent reductions in the cases which have come to their notice, by representations to the landlords, and in some areas it has been found necessary to institute legal proceedings. I have reminded the local authorities who have not replied of the importance of this matter, and as soon as the majority have replied I shall, as previously promised, review the whole question and make available to the House information on the position.
§ Mr. HallWill the Minister kindly expedite the reports from the local authorities which have not yet sent any in, and will he ask them to keep an eye on the matter, as, in some of these localities, the rent scandal is now growing, and something ought to be done about it?
§ Mr. BrownThe hon. Member will gather from my answer that I have already done what he asks me to do. I have reminded the local authorities of the urgency of the matter.
§ Mr. StokesWill the Minister also exercise as much pressure as he can upon the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with a view to increase of rent being included in the 100 per cent. Excess Profits Tax?