§ 11. Sir Patrick Hannonasked the Minister of Health if he will take immediate measures against rent profiteering, especially in relation to unfurnished premises which are not protected by rent tribunals; and if his attention has been called to recent cases in which exorbitant sums have been demanded for the possession of unfurnished accommodation.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware of recent cases where premiums have been demanded for possession of unfurnished accommodation, but it is for the courts to decide in each case whether these demands are illegal under the existing law. Any change in the law as it applies to the rents of unfurnished premises would require legislation, and of that there is no early prospect.
§ Sir P. HannonSurely this is a variety of profiteering which ought to be put down with a strong hand? Will the Minister take such measures as he may have open to him?
§ Mr. BevanI cannot exceed the powers which have been conferred upon me by the House. The question whether legisla- 1616 tion should be introduced, and whether time can be given to it, are matters for my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, and not for me.