§ 19. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Aircraft Production whether he will inquire 485 into the rents paid by aircraft firms for houses and other buildings which they have taken over; and where, as in the instance sent him by the hon. Member for Cheltenham, a rent of £550 a year is being paid for a house which the owner bought a few months ago for £2,000, will he have the rents revised to an amount considered reasonable by the district valuer?
§ The Minister of Aircraft Production (Colonel Llewellin)When we find that a contractor is paying an excessive rent, we take steps to ensure that only a fair rent is reflected in the contract price. I am, inquiring into the particular case mentioned by my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LipsonWould it not be possible to find out in the normal way that rent is being paid without considering the contract cost and asking them to have a check-up, as a great many of these excessive rents are being charged?
§ Colonel LlewellinIt only concerns my Department when we are paying any part of them, and when we are doing that, inquiries are made and it is not allowed, as I told my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. LipsonCan my right hon. and gallant Friend say who is concerned, as ultimately the taxpayer has to pay this and the Departments apparently do not mind what rents they pay?
§ Colonel LlewellinIt sounds to me more like the Chancellor of the Exchequer.