§ Mr. Thurtleasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that as a result of his Circular 183/45, dated 22nd October, 1945, tenants of a large number of properties in Shoreditch will have to pay increased rents which in many cases will involve hardship on the tenants; that the same circular states that the new charges must operate from the first week in October, although it was not issued until the fourth week in October and although some considerable time must elapse before all the rents in question can be reviewed; and if he will review the matter, in view of the difficulties of collecting arrears of rent which have accrued as a result of the increases dating from the first week in October.
§ Mr. BevanLocal authorities have been authorised to take financial hardship into account and I have no doubt that they will do so and adjust rents accordingly. I have agreed that if difficulty arises, any changes need not be brought into operation until after the date on which the alteration is made.