§ Mr. Winnickasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the expense to public funds by the payment of social security rent allowances to tenants in respect of unregistered rents of unfurnished accommodation and of excessive rents for furnished accommodation when the tenant has not been to a rent tribunal; and if he will propose further controls over rents in order to reduce this expenditure.
§ Mr. Denis HowellAs is made clear in an answer given today to my hon. Friend by the Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Department of Health and Social Security, the tenant is advised to approach the rent officer or rent tribunal where it seems likely that this would lead to a reduction in the amount of the rent. Any expense to public funds therefore, if it existed at all, would be minimal. As my hon. Friend is aware, my 43W right hon. Friend has appointed a committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Hugh Francis, Q.C., to examine the operation of rent regulation.