§ Mr. WATERSONasked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the attempt being made by various new landlords, who have purchased property in the village of Naseby, near Rugby, to raise rent beyond the scope of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interests (Restrictions) Act, and also with a threat of ejectment, and in one case to use the house for laundry work two days a week; and what steps is he prepared to take to check this practice?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have been asked to reply to the question of the hon. Member. I have no information as to the cases referred to beyond that contained in a letter which the hon. Member has sent to me. I may point out that a tenant can refuse payment of any increase in rent not authorised by the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restriction) Acts, and that a tenant who has actually paid such increase can recover the amount by deductions from subsequent payments of rent. A tenant cannot be ejected except by order of the Court, and if the landlord purchased the house after 30th September, 1917, it is the duty of the Court to consider all the circumstances of the case, including especially the alternative accommodation available for the tenant.