HC Deb 17 November 1953 vol 520 cc146-7W
94. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government the proportions of one, two, three and more than three-bedroom houses on approved tenders in the second and third quarters of 1952 and 1953.

Mr. Marples

The following are the figures:

rentals to cover a year or more ahead and in making the purchase of furniture virtually a condition on the letting or sale of domestic premises; and what action he proposes to take to deal with this matter.

Mr. H. Macmillan

To demand a premium or an excessive payment for furniture is already illegal under Section 3 of the Landlord and Tenant (Rent Control) Act, 1949, and I have not received many representations on this point. Last year I received a number of representations about demands of rent in advance for long periods. I made inquiries and found that most of the cases came from bogus letting agencies. The activities of these bodies have been greatly curtailed by the prosecutions the police undertook, and will be still further restricted by the Accommodation Agencies Act. It is to be hoped that this particular abuse will come to an end with them. If the hon. Gentleman will send me details of any cases he may have in mind, I will look into them.