§ Mr. WIGNALLasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the numerous evictions which have taken place owing to landlords requiring the possession of property for reasons for which the last Rent Act gives possession of premises; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that where such possession is obtained the premises will be occupied by the persons for whom they were stated to be required?
Mr. GREENWOODMy right hon. Friend is aware of the position created by the Rent Act of last year. As regards the latter part of my hon. Friend's ques- 289W tion, I would point out that the Act does not empower the Minister to take any steps himself, but it empowers the Court to require the landlord to pay compensation to the tenant for loss or damage sustained if possession of a house is obtained by misrepresentation, and to direct that the house in question shall not be decontrolled.