§ 2.37 p.m.
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether it is proposed to introduce legislation during the present Session to deal with the deterioration of rent-controlled houses for lack of repairs.]
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD SIMONDS)My Lords, the Government have under consideration the problem of keeping houses in good repair, but are not yet in a position to make a statement on the prospects of legislation.
§ LORD MORRISONMy Lords, I put this Question down because of definite statements that have appeared prominently in certain newspapers, not un- 46 friendly to the Government, that it was the intention of the Government immediately after Easter to introduce and pass an interim Bill for this purpose, to be followed by a White Paper outlining their programme for dealing with the whole of this problem. I take it that my Question is somewhat premature. I should like to ask the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor if, when the Government's decision has been made, he will be good enough to let me know, so that the public can be informed in good time.
THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I can really add nothing to my answer that Her Majesty's Government are not yet in a position to make a statement, but I think it would be reasonable to assume that as soon as they are in a position to make a statement, they will do so.