§ Major NEWMANasked the President of the Board of Trade, whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Tottenham Light, Heat and Power Company have recently decided to increase the rental of gas stoves and other fittings already hired out to the consumers in their district by 25 per cent.; whether such increase has to have the sanction of his Board; and whether he is prepared to 456W allow an increase in the rental of a gas stove when a landlord is forbidden to raise the rent of his house to his tenant?
Mr. ROBERTSI am informed by the company in question that the amount of the rental of gas stoves, etc., is a matter of agreement between them and consumers, and that it covers not only the interest on the original cost, but also the cost of repairs which has arisen by reason of the War. The increase is not subject to any sanction on the part of the Board of Trade.