HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 cc1055-6
73. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Health whether he can now give the names of the members of the promised Committee on Rent Restriction and its terms of reference?

Mr. E. Brown

As already announced, the Chairman of this Committee will be my Noble Friend Viscount Ridley, and I hope to be able to announce the names of the other members shortly. The terms of reference will be: to review the question of rent control, including the working of the Rent Restrictions Acts, and to advise whether any, and if so what, changes are necessary.

Mr. Lipson

Is the right hon. Gentleman asking the Chairman to expedite the report of the Committee?

Mr. Brown

I hope that the Committee will get to work at once.

Mr. Mathers

Do the terms of reference mean that the examination will only cover the ground previously covered by rent committees?

Mr. Brown

Not at all; the answer says "if so, what changes are necessary."

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the terms of reference will not exclude the consideration not only of rents of houses but of rents charged for parts thereof, furnished rooms and so on?

Mr. Brown

I think my hon. and gallant Friend can be satisfied that we have drawn up the terms of reference as widely as possible.

Mr. S. O. Davies

Can the Minister give the House an assurance that there will be a representative of working-class organisations or trade unions on this Committee?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member had better wait until he sees the composition of the Committee.

Mr. W. Brown

Will the terms of reference cover not only the matter of rent restrictions but the inflated selling prices of houses which are now being obtained?

Mr. Brown

I would like notice of that question.