§ 17. Mr. Liptonasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he will introduce legislation to prevent landlords demanding premiums in respect of decontrolled houses and flats after 6th July next.
§ Mr. H. BrookeI do not think there is a case for further extension.
§ Mr. LiptonDoes that reply mean that landlords will be able to charge whatever premiums they wish in respect of properly decontrolled in July, 1957—because it was over £40 rateable value in London and £30 elsewhere—and charge whatever premiums they like on property decontrolled after that date because of new tenancies being granted?
§ Mr. BrookeA landlord cannot charge whatever he likes, because he may not be able to get whatever he likes. If one bans premiums permanently it may have the result only of forcing rents up higher. I doubt whether legislation against premiums would ever be so completely effective as to make it worth while as a permanent feature of legislation.
§ Mr. LiptonIn view of the very unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment.