§ Mr. Smedley Crookeasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the charges made at a recent meeting of the Birmingham City Council of profiteering in house-rents by some small-house property owners; and whether, in order to allay anxiety and to stop this practice, he will cause an inquiry to be held, and, if found necessary, take legislative action to punish those who are guilty of using the sum-clearance orders and overcrowding Acts for the purpose of rent-profiteering?
§ Mr. BernaysI have seen an account in the Press of the meeting to which my hon. Friend refers. I understand that the Departmental Committee which is at present considering the workings of the Rent Restrictions Acts have had the assistance of a memorandum submitted by the City Council and have also heard oral evidence from the local Tenants' Federation. The conditions reported in this evidence will no doubt be taken into account by the Committee in framing their report, which my right hon. Friend hopes to receive in the very near future.