§ 56. Mr. Moelwyn Hughesasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to a legal device whereby landlords, once given vacant possession of premises, can evade the provisions of the Rent Restrictions Acts; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter?
§ Mr. E. BrownI assume my hon. Friend refers to an agreement he has already brought to my notice which is apparently designed with the object which he mentions. This is the only agreement of its kind which has come to my notice and I have no reason for thinking that they are common. I will, however, keep the point in mind.
§ Mr. HughesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the practice of employing this device is spreading, and ought he not to take steps to prevent it before it assumes larger proportions than it has?
§ Mr. BrownI have no information further than the one case which the hon. Member has mentioned to me, but I am watching the matter closely, because I agree with him concerning the device. I am very much obliged to him for the form in which he put his Question concerning this device, which is used to circumvent the Rent Restrictions Act.
§ Mr. HughesCan the right hon. Gentleman assure us that he is advised that the device to which I have drawn his attention is one which does successfully evade the Rent Restrictions Acts?
§ Mr. BrownOnly the Courts can give authoritative rulings on the Acts. The only information I have is the one case which the hon. Member has submitted, but I am watching the matter very carefully.
§ Sir Francis FremantleIs my right hon. Friend aware that in some cases the houses concerned may be property bought with the savings of humble individuals who have been deprived of part of their income by rent restriction?