HC Deb 07 December 1954 vol 535 cc768-70
54. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many rent tribunals have now had requests to determine the amounts of increases in rent under the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954; how many cases have been submitted to them; in how many of such cases decisions have been arrived at; and in how many the amounts originally demanded by the landlords have been reduced.

Mr. Deedes

The latest returns available at the moment cover the period up to and including 31st October, 1954. The hon. Member was given particulars of them on 23rd November. At that date 230 applications had been received by 19 tribunals, and 33 had been decided. I regret that the information asked for in the last part of the Question is not available

Mr. Janner

In future, will the Minister be good enough to inquire what are the results of the various cases that come forward? Is he aware that in most of them there have been deductions?

Mr. Deedes

The figure of the increase for which the landlords ask the tribunal would not give a factual rent, and we do not feel in a position to ask tribunals to give that figure. It would not provide a reliable guide.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Will the hon. Gentleman as least consider setting up further tribunals in order to deal satisfactorily with the increasing volume of work?

Mr. Deedes

As the hon. Member is aware, that question was discussed recently. We are satisfied that these tribunals are able to meet the present amount of work. A watch is being kept upon that situation, and a progress report is being received upon it.

55. Mr. Janner

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that rent tribunals have reduced amounts demanded by landlords in many cases which have been determined by those tribunals; and whether he will now consider revising the Housing Repairs and Rents Act, 1954, so that tenants of other flats or houses similar to those so affected who have agreed to pay more than a proper increase may not be compelled to do so.

Mr. Sandys

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 16th November.

Mr. Janner

Has not the right hon. Gentleman taken the opportunity of inquiring what has been happening since he gave me that reply? Is he aware that a shocking state of affairs has arisen in consequence of the fact that in some cases where the rents demanded by landlords are not granted by tribunals many people occupying adjoining flats are compelled to pay larger amounts, and have no relief at all? Is not the Minister prepared to alter the Act in view of these facts?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member stated these facts in the Question which he put to me on 16th November. There has been no change since then. I pointed out to him that to tear up private agreements of this kind would, in some cases, certainly result in the tenant having to pay more than he had previously agreed with the landlord.