HC Deb 14 June 1955 vol 542 cc409-10
27. Mr. G. M. Thomson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he proposes to take to restore legal protection under the Rent Acts to the tenants of private housing associations.

Mr. J. Stuart

I have no reason to think that any fresh legislation on this subject is necessary.

Mr. Thomson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Northern Housing Association is a purely private body with no public accountability either to the tenants or to the country as a whole in any way? In the circumstances, are not private tenants being taken completely away from the protection of all the Rent Acts?

Mr. Stuart

I am aware of the position, but I am not suggesting that the Northern Housing Association is doing anything that it should not. We shall, of course, watch the position.

Mr. Strachey

Can the right hon. Gentleman say quite clearly that it was his intention, and that he now supports it, that this class of house should be taken right outside the protection of the Rent Restrictions Acts?

Mr. Stuart

Yes. Sir, that is correct.