Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the divergence of opinion which exists as to the effect of Section 7 (2) of the Rent Restriction Act, 1938; and whether he proposes to issue any directions as to whether, in calculating the increase of rates to be passed on to the tenant, the amount payable in 1914, the gross rates, should be deducted from the amount payable in 1938, or whether the amount actually paid in 1914, the net rates, should be deducted from the amount payable in 1938?
§ Mr. ElliotThe intention of the Government was to provide that the comparison of current rates with rates in 1914 should be on the basis of gross rates, and not, as previously, on the basis of net rates. If the question arises whether the provision fails to give effect to this intention, the matter could only be settled by the Courts.