Mr. Whiteasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether it is intended to introduce legislation to extend the provisions of the Rent and Mortgage Interest (Restrictions) Act, 1939, to dwelling-houses owned by the freeholder or leaseholder of which he is in actual possession?
§ Miss HorsbrughI have been asked to reply. I do not know the precise circumstances which the hon. Member has in mind, and can only reply that, in general, the Rent Restriction Acts are concerned with the duties and obligations of landlord and tenants, and do not apply to a house so long as no tenancy exists. Houses which were in the actual possession of their owners at the date of the passing of the Rent Restrictions Act, 1939, will, if within the relevant limits of rateable value, become controlled as soon as they are let after that date.