HC Deb 10 November 1953 vol 520 c770
37. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many repair certificates under the Rent Restriction Acts have been issued to tenants in 1952; and how many have been cancelled.

Mr. J. Stuart

Repair certificates under the Rent Acts are issued by the local authority and the information asked for could be obtained only by calling for a special return.

Mrs. Mann

Is the Secretary of State aware that these certificates are granted for houses which are not in a proper state of repair and that they enable the tenant to deduct 40 per cent. of the increased rent? In view of that fact, what justification is there now for proposing that another 40 per cent. should be added to house rentals if they are in a proper state of repair?

Mr. Stuart

As I explained the other day, the justification is the fact that the cost of repairing houses has gone up three times since 1939.

Mr. Wheatley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Coatbridge and Airdrie (Mrs. Mann) is very important in relation to the new Bill for Scottish housing? Will he try to obtain figures for use during the debate on that Bill?

Mr. Stuart

I could ask a few selected local authorities to give us a sample if that would satisfy hon. Members.