§ 34. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that in consequence of a successful appeal by the tenant of a furnished villa at Crieff to the tribunal established in accordance with the Rent of Furnished Houses Control Act the tenant received notice to quit; and what action is being taken to protect such tenants.
Mr. ChapmanMy right hon. Friend is informed that legal proceedings for the ejection of the tenant have been instituted because of an alleged breach of the letting conditions which prohibit sub-letting. The issue is one of fact which must be determined by the Court and has no relevance to the type of case in which my right hon. Friend is exercising powers of requisitioning.
§ Mr. MathersIs my hon. Friend aware that I put this Question down because of its general interest, in order to show what protection the new Act affords to tenants of furnished houses, and will he see that the conclusion arrived at finally is given publicity?
Mr. ChapmanOnly in a case of victimisation would my right hon. Friend, for instance, exercise his powers to requisition and he is not satisfied in this particular case that that arises, but my hon. Friend has drawn attention to this point.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the hon. Member aware that a number of people who have been successful in having their rents reduced, are subject to all manner of trouble at the hands of people who are owners or who have taken a house; and would he consider taking action in those cases in order to protect any tenants threatened with eviction?
Mr. ChapmanEach case must be judged on its merits. If there is any breach of contract, my right hon. Friend 579 would not hesitate to take action, where he thought there was victimisation.
§ Mr. McGovernCould not the hon. Gentleman consider at least issuing a warning to people in this position because they are taking advantage of it?