HC Deb 29 July 1958 vol 592 cc1127-30
16. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he is taking to check the growing practice of landlords in Newcastle-upon-Tyne threatening eviction proceedings against tenants who reduce their rent when landlords' undertakings to carry out repairs remain unfulfilled.

Mr. H. Brooke

I am not aware of this practice. But I welcome this opportunity of re-emphasising that the security of a controlled tenant is in no way affected by his exercising his rights under the disrepair procedure of the Rent Act.

Mr. Blenkinsop

While welcoming the right hon. Gentleman's clear statement to this effect, is he nevertheless aware that many tenants refuse to believe that this is the case, and are paying very much higher rents, as they have been, in effect, almost terrorised by private landlords in many cases? Will the right hon. Gentleman not cease to make these public statements about the true position of the tenant, both on the radio and in other ways, to try to ensure that tenants appreciate their rights?

Mr. Brooke

I have from the beginning done all in my power to let tenants know what are their rights, and one and a quarter million copies of the 6d. booklet, "The Rent Act and You", have been sold. Unfortunately many people may have been misled by false propaganda about the Rent Act.

Dame Irene Ward

Arising out of that answer, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he is aware that I have sent him a specific case of a landlord, who fortunately is not a constituent of mine but who has property in my constituency at North Shields, who has deliberately terrorised the tenant? The details of the case have been sent to my right hon. Friend. Does not he consider that it is ill-advised merely to dismiss these allegations?

Mr. Brooke

One thing I have learned is that it is unwise for any of us to express a view about a case on the spur of the moment without knowing both sides of it.

Mr. Mitchison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, to my own knowledge, far too many landlords are still refusing to accept the holding back of rent, which the tenant is entitled to do under the Act, and will he consider bringing forward legislation to make such a refusal an offence, even when there is no entry in the rent book?

Mr. Brooke

In the kind of case to which I think the hon. and learned Gentleman is referring, paragraph (8) of the First Schedule to the Rent Act enables the tenant to go to the local authority and seek a certificate stating definitely whether or not the undertaking has been carried out.

Mr. Mitchison

That is not the point.

18. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will introduce legislation to enable tenants to enforce proper standards of repair against their landlord when the property has become decontrolled under the provisions of the 1957 Act.

Mr. H. Brooke

No, Sir. The repairing obligations of landlord and tenant must be a matter for agreement when the terms of a new tenancy are settled.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Does not the right hon. Gentleman recognise that many people have taken on new tenancies quite forgetting the fact that this puts them completely in the power of the landlord? Will he consider the very serious plight of many tenants of bad property who are now unable to enforce any decent standard of repair against the landlord? Will he seek powers to enforce decent standards upon the landlords?

Mr. Brooke

I am very sorry if any tenants have entered into unwise agreements without taking professional advice beforehand, as they have been advised repeatedly to do.

Mr. Blenkinsop

Is not the Minister aware that this is a natural consequence of his own Act, and will he, therefore, take measures to protect tenants against these consequences?

Mr. Brooke

The Opposition cannot distract attention from the shortcomings of their own housing policy by continuing to slight the Government, who have had the courage to tackle rent restriction.

Mr. J. Griffiths

In view of the evidence from both sides of the House that landlords are taking advantage of tenants, may I ask the Minister whether he will recognise his obligation, as the Minister who recommended this legislation to the House, to protect the tenants against them?

Mr. Brooke

No, Sir. I think we must all have regard to the protection that is available to us under the law. I am extremely sorry when individuals, whether in this matter or any other, fail to inform themselves adequately.

Mr. Gower

While it may be true that considerable repairs are needed, is not there evidence from all over the country to show that in recent months the scale of repairs to houses has been far greater than for very many years?

Mr. Brooke

Yes, Sir. That is one of the excellent effects of the Rent Act which the Opposition have sought to prevent.

Mr. Blenkinsop

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment tomorrow.

Dame Irene Ward

Further to that point of order. May I join in the debate tomorrow night?

Mr. Speaker

I shall have to see how we get on, but I think the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, East (Mr. Blenkinsop) may want to ask for legislation.