§ 29. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of known substantial increases in rents which are making it impossible for many 205 people to rent a home, if he will inquire into the approximate number of houses automatically decontrolled by a change of tenancy since the Rent Act became operative.
§ The Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs (Mr. Henry Brooke)I do not think any such action is called for. There has always been a substantial number of vacancies occurring among controlled houses; the difference which the Rent Act has made is that, whereas in the past these houses were almost always sold with vacant possession to avoid control, there is now an incentive to relet them.
§ Mr. AllaunBut is the Minister aware that it is estimated that roughly one in seven, or 700,000 houses, are becoming automatically decontrolled each year as their tenants die or move to jobs elsewhere? Does not this mean that it will become almost impossible for young couples to find a house at a reasonable rent unless the Minister relents? What can they do about it?
§ Mr. BrookeThe figure of 700,000 seems to be very high. The figure given during the debate on the Second Reading of the Rent Bill was 125,000. I agree that it would be easier for these young couples but for the immense damage done to the interests of the tenants by that disastrous resolution at Brighton.