Rent Act, 1957

HC Deb 26 July 1960 vol 627 cc121-3W

82. Mr. A. Evans

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and

house, on 31st March, 1960, and at the end of the two preceding financial years.

Mr. H. Brooke

Comparable figures relating exclusively to the cost of administration are not available; the Table below shows the total outgoings on housing and the number of dwellings completed for each new town in the last three financial years.

Minister for Welsh Affairs what help he now proposes to offer to those tenants who at his suggestion signed three-year agreements under the Rent Act, 1957, before the protection of the Courts was given them by the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1958.

87. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that excessive rents are being demanded of tenants in the London area following the expiry of three-year agreements entered into as a result of the Rent Act, 1957; and what legislative action he is taking in the matter.

Mr. H. Brooke

The properties in question will have been out of rent control for three years. The view of the Government is that their rents henceforward must be determined by the market, and not by the reimposition of rent control as these questions suggest. Even though it might help particular individuals, any action to restore rent control would tend to encourage owners to sell rather than re-let, and would discourage improvements and conversions of older and larger properties: this would not be in the general interest.