§ 7. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware of the widespread hardship which will be caused by the further increase in controlled rents on and after 6th April; and if he will postpone this increase until he has inquired from local authorities as to their estimate of its effect.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI do not accept that widespread hardship will be caused by the further rent increases permitted; and I see no justification for the amending legislation suggested.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes the Minister appreciate that next week, unless he relents, the rent will be raised for the second time for hundreds of thousands of homes without baths, bathrooms, hot water, inside toilets or even damp courses, and that the 1002 houses are so damp that the children are seldom well? Does not he think that this is a monstrous injustice?
§ Mr. BrookeNo, Sir. If the houses lack so many amenities, I do not think their gross value will be very high, and, as the House knows, there is provision for the National Assistance Board to meet any increased rents where the tenants genuinely cannot afford an increase.