§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the excessive charges which have to be paid by wives of both officers and men who wish to live near their husbands' regiments; and what steps are being taken to meet the situation?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am aware that excessive rents are being charged in some districts. The Rent Restriction Acts include a provision under which landlords charging extortionate rents for furnished lettings are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £100. In some cases local authorities have instituted proceedings under this provision, and I trust that the publicity attending these proceedings will act as a deterrent to any landlord who is charging an excessive rent. I am sending my hon. and gallant Friend a copy of a circular which I sent to local authorities in September last urging them to make full use of their powers under the Rent Acts.