HL Deb 17 May 1956 vol 197 c501

3.5 p.m.

LORD MESTON

My 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 when some statement may be expected on the subject of the Rent Restrictions Acts and also on the subject of the rating of industrial premises and agricultural land.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORT-FOLIO (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government have already stated that a review of the provisions of the Rent Acts is being made. The conclusions reached will be announced due course. A review of local government finance is also being made and this includes an examination of the issue of derating. The Government expect to be ready with proposals for discussion with local authority associations by the autumn and hope to be able to make an announcement of the conclusions before the end of the year.

LORD MESTON

I am much obliged to the noble Earl for his reply.

VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGH

My Lords, will the Government, in considering the subject of the revision of the Rent Restrictions Acts, be in a position to arrange that it will not lead to an increase in the cost of living?

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, I suggest that it would be proper to wait for the announcement which Her Majesty's Government will make in due course.

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