HC Deb 28 February 1924 vol 170 cc733-5W
Mr. DUNCAN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the upper chamber of the Isle of Man Legislature has refused to continue the existing legislation in the island with regard to the restriction of rent and mortgage interest, in direct opposition to a Report in favour of its continuance from a Committee of inquiry of the House of Keys and of resolutions in favour from the Manx Municipal Association, Douglas Town Council, and many large public meetings; and whether,

to the Department on the points referred to by the hon. Member:

before Royal Assent is given to the measure repealing the said restriction, he will cause a public inquiry to be held as to whether houses have been or are being built to house the hundreds of tenants who have already received notices of eviction?

Mr. DAVIES

The facts are not quite accurately stated in the question. The Legislative Council passed a Bill continuing the existing legislation so far as relates to houses of pre-War rentals up to £26 and this was accepted by the Keys, but when the Bill came up for signature in Tynwald it failed to receive the requisite number of signatures of the House of Keys. By the insular constitution the Bill was therefore lost. The principal Act automatically ceases to operate after 12th May next, and no application for the Royal Assent is therefore required. The question is one for the Insular Legislature to deal with, but I will ask the Lieutenant-Governor whether any steps can be taken to meet the situation created by the proceedings in Tynwald.