§ Mr. BOWENasked the Minister of Labour whether she can state what is the average percentage increase in the rents, and in the rents and rates together, of urban working-class dwellings in London and the provinces, respectively?
§ Miss BONDFIELDThe average increase in controlled and decontrolled working-class rents and rates together, as compared with 1914, is estimated at1480W 50 per cent. for London and 55 per cent. for the provinces. The average increase in controlled rents, exclusive of rates, is nearly 40 per cent., the maximum ordinarily permitted under the Rent Restriction Acts, both for London and the provinces; corresponding figures for rents, exclusive of rates, are not available for decontrolled houses. The figures given do not cover post-War houses. I should add that, though the average is as stated, there are wide differences in individual cases in the increases applying to decontrolled houses.