§ 27. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will amend the Rent Act so as to prevent houses becoming decontrolled when changes of tenants occur.
§ Mr. H. BrookeNo, Sir.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that many landlords are now demanding extortionate rents, and, because of the housing shortage, can get them? For instance, a house in Salford rented at 8s. 9d. without bath, hot water or inside toilet rose to 15s. 4d. under the Rent Act, a new tenant came in and the landlord is now demanding and getting £2 10s., a week plus repairs?
§ Mr. BrookeWhat I am certainly aware of is that if we were to amend the Rent Act in the sense that controlled houses becoming vacant were not then decontrolled, the landlords would not let the houses at all, but would sell them.
§ Mr. H. HyndIs the Minister aware of the racket under which any rent can be obtained by a landlord if the tenant of such a house is in receipt of National Assistance, and that the National Assistance people have no power at all to question whatever figure the landlord fixes?
§ Mr. BrookeI should doubt that—[HON. MEMBERS: "No."]—but it is an entirely different question.