§ 78. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is aware that since the Government introduced the Rent Act there has been an extensive increase in bonus shares, dividends and capital payments to shareholders in almost every property company and that profits of all property companies have risen as a result of this Act; and whether he will introduce a new measure to limit and control rents and thereby limit the amounts of moneys available for dividends and bonuses to property company shareholders in accordance with the Government's declared policy of dividend limitation.
§ Mr. H. BrookeOther important factors besides the Rent Act have been operating in recent months to affect the profits and dividends paid by property companies. It is, however, natural that the market should reflect the general improvement in rented house property,104W and the opportunity of maintaining it properly in the future, which have resulted from the Government's policies. That is not a reason for abandoning those policies.