§ 25. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that, under the Rent Act 1957, tenants of small 1232 rented houses are being asked to buy their houses under threat of eviction by court order; and if he will take steps to end this practice.
§ Mr. NobleI am aware that there have been cases where landlords of decontrolled houses have given buy or quit notices to tenants since the Rent Act, 1957, but I have no evidence that this is a general practice.
§ Mr. HannanIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in my constituency there are two cases concerning old-age pensioners, both widows, one of 80 and one of 82 and blind, who have received such notices? What action will he take to stop this legalised vicious practice which is pursued under the Act which he introduced? Will he at least reconsider the situation and modify it?
§ Mr. NobleThe very great majority of landlords in Scotland have been very reasonable in the way in which they have treated these cases. If the hon. Member wishes to raise a large number of cases, I will of course consider them, but it is sometimes the position that one or two cases are not properly treated by their landlords.