§ 35. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Health what steps he is taking to prevent evasion of the law against charging premiums or key-money in respect of the letting of empty premises.
§ Mr. BevanI have no power to enforce the law in this matter, but local authorities have power to institute proceedings for offences under the Rent Restrictions Acts, and I have recently reminded them of their powers.
§ Mr. FletcherIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is great indignation at the widespread evasion that is going on, and will he do all he can to suppress it?
§ Mr. BevanI said this was a matter for the local authorities. They are exercising their powers in a number of areas, and I hope local authorities will be vigilant and exercise their powers when they are invoked.