HC Deb 27 October 1943 vol 393 cc247-8
Mr. Gallacher

I beg to move, in page 4, line 29, to leave out from "until" to the end of the Clause, and to add: sufficient houses have been supplied to overcome the housing crisis. I would point out that this Bill is distinct from the Rent Restrictions Acts, and whatever may be their fate when the war is over and the time comes for a reconsideration of the problem, the need for this Bill and for the tribunals will still exist. The injustices which the Bill seeks to remedy will remain until there are sufficient houses for the people, and therefore many of us on this side are of opinion that the Bill should continue in operation until there is a sufficiency of houses. We ask the Minister, if he cannot accept the Amendment, to think out before the Report Stage some other wording which will leave the Bill in operation far beyond six months after the cessation of hostilities.

The Lord Advocate

It is in our view essential that the Rent Restrictions Acts and this Measure should come to an end at the same time. The provisions of this Bill are designed to dovetail into the provisions of the Rent Restrictions Acts, and it would be most embarrassing if it was not possible for the draftsman of the new legislation, whatever it may be, not to have the whole field open to him. Hon. Members are aware that a committee is being set up to deal with the future of the Rent Restrictions Acts, Those Acts will, of course, have to be revised, and probably some further legislation introduced, and in our view it would be wrong to have any other time for the ending of this Measure than that which is already in the Act of 1939 for the ending of the Rent Restrictions Acts.

Mr. Gallacher

I beg to ask leave to wtihdraw the Amendment.

Amendment by leave, withdrawn.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.