§ LORD JESSELMy Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.
§ [The question was as follows:
§ To ask His Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to take any steps to improve the administration of the Rent Restrictions Acts in view of the representations of the Westminster City Council as regards the difficulties at present existing.]
437§ LORD SNELLMy Lords, the attention of His Majesty's Government has been drawn by various persons and bodies, including the Westminster City Council, to difficulties arising from the Rent Restrictions Acts, and a number of suggestions have been made for their amendment. The operation of the Acts has always been kept under close and continuous review, and is now being further considered in consultation with the associations of local authorities. It is hoped to make a statement about this in the near future.
§ LORD JESSELMay I ask the noble Lord when "the near future" will be?
§ LORD SNELLWell, perhaps I may say "shortly."