HC Deb 01 October 1942 vol 383 cc923-4
61. Mr. Glenvil Hall

asked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to stop excessive rents being demanded by persons letting furnished accommodation?

Mr. E. Brown

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply, of which I am sending him a copy, which I gave recently to a Question on the subject to my hon. Friend the Member for Peckham (Mr. Silkin). I am also sending him copies of circulars on the subject which I have sent to local authorities. I shall be glad to have details of any cases which have come to the notice of my hon. Friend, or indeed of any other Members of this House, so that I may look into them.

Mr. Hall

Does this answer mean that the Department really is doing something about it?

Mr. Brown

Reports from over 1,068 authorities are referred to in the long answer which I have mentioned.

Mr. Hall

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that this is a proper way of tackling the matter, in view of the fact that he sent a circular to local authorities some time ago and nothing was done?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps my hon. Friend will look again at this long answer.

62. Mr. Thorne

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the royal borough of Kensington have increased the rent of two large rooms at 16, Newton Court, from 16s. per week to 22s. per week; and what action he intends taking about the matter?

Mr. Brown

No, Sir; but I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend.