Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he possesses particulars of the cases in which, since the start of the war, local authorities have raised the rents of council houses; and, if not, whether he will make inquiries as to the procedure being adopted in this respect, especially in view of the fact that private landlords with the same types of houses are not able to follow this procedure?
Mr. JohnstonLocal authorities do not require to furnish me with particulars of increases made in the rents of their houses. I have no reason to think that any substantial increases have been made since the outbreak of war and I do not feel that I should be justified in calling for returns on the subject from local authorities.
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