§ Squadron-Leader Flemingasked the Minister of Health how many prosecutions have been instituted against rent profiteers since September, 1939, and in how many cases was a conviction obtained; and whether he intends to take any fresh steps to control the rents of furnished and/or unfurnished houses?
§ Mr. E. BrownAccording to my information, which is not complete, local authorities have taken legal proceedings for offences under the Rent Restriction Acts in 54 cases since 30th September, 1940. Convictions were secured in all but six cases. With regard to the second part of the Question, I do not, as at present advised, consider that the existing system of control requires supplementing or extending. In order, however, that I may review the progress made by local authorities in checking profiteering in the last nine months, I am about to issue a circular asking them for a special report.