§ 2. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the high prices being demanded and paid for houses; and whether it is his intention to establish any safeguard against this particular form of war-time exploitation?
Mr. JohnstonThere has been little or no increase in the price of houses to which the Rent Restriction Acts apply, and the high prices to which the hon. Member refers are confined to houses—particularly the smaller type of houses—which are sold for occupation by the purchasers. The number of such houses coming on to the market is relatively small. The position is being kept under continuous review but, having regard to the limited extent of the problem and to my powers of billeting and requisitioning for persons whose need of new accommodation arises out of war circumstances, I do not feel justified in asking for legislative action without further information as to its immediate necessity.
§ Mr. MathersWill the right hon. Gentleman be willing to receive further information to show him how really acute this problem is in certain directions?