§ 12. Mr. Awberyasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the large sums demanded by ground landlords for the renewal of leases on dwelling houses; and, in view of the fact that these landlords have not contributed towards increases in the value of the land, if he will take steps to examine the sums as a source of revenue.
§ Sir E. BoyleI have noted the hon. Member's suggestion.
§ Mr. AwberyIs the Minister aware that two cases were brought to my attention recently, first, of a man who paid £3 a year ground rent, whose lease still has fourteen years to go, and who is being asked to pay £550 for its renewal, and, secondly, of a man who is being asked to pay £350 plus £20 a year for the renewal of the ground lease? If the Minister is prepared to impose this wage freeze for the workers, why should he not adopt a rent freeze for these landlords? Is not he aware that, in the eyes of the workers, whatever he may say in answer to my question will not justify the robbery that is going on in this respect?
§ Sir E. BoyleThe hon. Member, who always expresses himself so felicitously, has not left me much to say in reply, 1103 but I will remind him that if these land lords are trading in real property these premiums constitute trade receipts, and enter into the computation of taxable profits.