§ 46. Dr. Dickson Mahonasked the Prime Minister what reply he has given to recent representations made to him by 1334 hon. Members concerning the possibility of amending the Rent Act, 1957.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer to the reply given on my behalf on 3rd March by my right hon. Friend the Lord Privy Seal.
§ Dr. MabonSince the most prominent of the hon. Members concerned was the hon. Member for Dulwich (Mr. Robert Jenkins), and since that hon. Member has made a speech in his constituency saying that there will be no evictions in October, will the Prime Minister confirm that statement? Will he also tell the House whether the Minister of Housing and the Secretary of State for Scotland have made it clear that they have ample powers so to sustain that position, or whether an amending Bill will have to be introduced this Session?
§ The Prime MinisterNeither of those questions arises from the original Question, in which I am asked to make a statement about representations made to me by hon. Members. I prefer to keep the tradition, which I think the right one, that I will not discuss in public private communications which I commonly receive from both sides of the House.
§ 50. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Prime Minister to what extent the speech delivered at Kelvingrove on 28th February by the Secretary of State for Scotland, in which he appealed for greater restraint on the part of Scottish landlords in operating the Rent Act, 1957, represented the policy of Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Prime Minister aware that some years ago the Clan Macmillan in Scotland was evicted and that, as a result of this eviction in the Isle of Arran, some of the Clan Macmillan came to London, with disastrous results? Does he not think it would be most appropriate if he remedied the position by introducing a Bill to abolish evictions in Scotland?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not true that my grandfather was evicted from Arran. He came to London, like many another Highland lad, to search to improve his position, and he had a perfect right to do so.