§ 10. Mr. Palmerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the continuing practice of advertising unfurnished flats, rooms, and houses to let and wanted coupled with the mention, under various descriptions, of large sums of money for obtaining occupation; and if he will introduce legislation to stop this practice.
§ Mr. SandysThere is no need for further legislation. The law already prohibits the charging of a premium or an excessive price for furniture and fittings in respect of houses to which the Rent Acts apply. In the case of houses outside the scope of rent control, no problem arises.
§ Mr. PalmerIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this cynical exploitation of homeless people is continuing unchecked, because the earlier legislation has proved in practice to be a dead letter, and does he not feel any sense of responsibility?