§ Mr. Hardyasked the Minister of Health if he is aware that many local authorities are increasing the rents of their council houses by from sixpence to three shillings per week, and in view of the desire of the Government that salaries and wages should be pegged or frozen, will he introduce legislation to prevent rents from being raised at present.
§ Mr. BevanI am aware that a number of authorities have found it necessary to make some increases in rent in accordance with the discretion vested in them by statute. I do not think that I should be justified in asking Parliament to interfere with that discretion.