§ 21. Mr. Haydn Daviesasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the hardship to small professional and commercial concerns in London as a result of being given notice to quit or to pay increased rentals by large scale organisations buying or leasing their buildings; and whether, as a measure of protection to the people concerned, he will consider exercising his powers under Regulation 51 (1) and (5), of the Defence (General) Regulations, 1939, and delegate to local authorities power to requisition such premises or necessary parts thereof.
§ Sir S. CrippsMy attention has been drawn to a number of cases of increased rent demanded for office premises. I can only exercise the powers under Regulation 51 if it appears to me to be necessary or expedient to do so for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community. At present, I have no evidence that the action suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary for the purpose stated.
§ Mr. Haydn DaviesIf I were to supply the right hon. and learned Gentleman with numerous cases in London, would he arrange to look into them?
§ Sir S. CrippsI have looked into a number of cases but they did not convince me that it was necessary or expedient to do something towards maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community.