§ Sir G. HURSTasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the dis- 1533W content among tenants of corporation (1919) houses in Manchester at the lower rents charged to tenants of better houses built by the corporation under later Acts; and if any steps can be taken by which their desire for a rent tribunal under the 1919 Act or, alternatively, for a consideration by the Ministry of Health as to the reasonableness or otherwise of their rents may be complied with?
Sir H. YOUNGI have received representations in regard to this matter. The provisions applicable to the rents of subsidised houses provided under the Act of 1919 differ fundamentally from those governing the rents of houses built under later Acts. For the purpose of determining the amount of Exchequer subsidy, the regulations made under the Act of 1919 provide for reference to a rent tribunal where there is a difference of opinion between the Minister and the local authority with regard to any deficiency of income of the assisted scheme due to the insufficiency of rents charged. I have had a full investigation made on the subject of the rents of the houses built in Manchester under the Act of 1919 and I am satisfied that, having regard to the provisions applicable to these houses, the rents are reasonable.