§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the Housing Committee of the Carlisle City Council are proposing basic rent increases for certain shopkeepers from £260 to £400 to certain tenants and from £300 to £450 in other cases; and whether he will refer the matter to the National Board for Prices and Incomes.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonBusiness rents are not covered by the Prices and Incomes Acts, and a reference to the National Board for Prices and Incomes would not be appropriate. The tenants have a right of appeal to the courts under the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1954. No doubt the City Council will consider whether, in the light of the present situation about prices and incomes, they are able to phase the increases.