§ 3.20 p.m.
§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDMy Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lord Balfour of Inchrye, who is detained in hospital for a small operation to his hand, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in his name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether in the proposal for freezing rents for furnished accommodation, consideration will be given to the category of house owners who let on the basis of inclusive rent, the landlord paying rates; whose sole income may be from lettings and who may face heavily increased April and October rate demands.
§ LORD GARNSWORTHYMy Lords, I am sure the House will regret very much the circumstances which prevent the noble Lord, Lord Balfour of Inchrye, from being in his place and will appreciate the action that the noble Lord, Lord Nugent of Guildford, has taken on his behalf.
In regard to this matter, no further measures are necessary. Section (3) of Article 4 of the Counter-Inflation (Private Sector Residential Rents) (England and Wales) Order 1974 already exempts from the "freeze" increases in rent to take account of any increases in rates.
§ LORD NUGENT OF GUILDFORDMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his reply.