§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Health how many prosecutions have been taken during 1940 and the first quarter of 1941, respectively, under powers contained in the Rent Restriction Acts, for charging exorbitant rents; in how many cases convictions have been obtained; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the further use of these powers?
§ Miss HorsbrughMy information is not complete, but I am aware of 46 cases of legal proceedings under the Rent Restriction Acts taken by local authorities in England and Wales since 30th September, 1940, in which it was alleged that excessive charges were being exacted from tenants. Convictions were secured in all but one case. Six prosecutions are at present impending. In reply to the second part of the Question, I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of a circular my right hon. Friend has recently issued to local authorities urging greater vigilance and a more vigorous use of their statutory powers against offenders, and asking them to keep him informed of the results.