§ 33. Mrs. Jean Mannasked the Minister of Health how many houses in England and Wales were classified unfit for human habitation in 1939; how many are still inhabited; in how many cases have the tenants been called upon to pay 47½ per cent, increase on the standard 1914 rent; and will he take steps to prevent this overcharge.
§ Mr. BevanI would refer my lion. Friend to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Acton (Mr. Sparks) on 25th October. The information asked for in the third part of the Question is not available, but under the Rent Restriction Acts a tenant who obtains a certificate from the sanitary authority that his house is not in a reasonable state of repair may apply to the court for an Order suspending the 40 per cent. increase of the standard rent.
§ 34. Mr. Christopher Shawcrossasked the Minister of Health if he proposes to introduce legislation. to make illegal the collection or payment of rent for dwellings which are unfit for human habitation.
§ Mr. BevanThe Rent Restriction Acts already contain provisions enabling part of the rent to be withheld where the house is not in a reasonable state of repair and I do not think further action is practicable at a time when owing to the shortage, unfit houses must continue to be occupied and palliative repairs carried out to them.
§ Mr. ShawcrossOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of that answer, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.