§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many housing units he estimates will not now come on the market as a result of the recent Rent Act.
§ Mr. MellishThe number of privately rented houses has been declining for a long time, and it is too early to say what effect the Rent Act will have on this trend: it should not induce anyone to sell who is content with fairness as between landlord and tenant.
§ Mr. Oakesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many rent officers have been appointed under the Rent Act, 1965; in which local government areas no such officers have yet been appointed; and what is the reason for the delay in such appointments.
§ Mr. Crossman57 senior rent officers, of whom 16 are on a part-time basis, and 291 rent officers, of whom 120 are on a part-time basis, have been appointed. Some of these appointments, and a few more still to be made, will take effect in late March or early April, by which time it is hoped that the local rent assessment committees will be in readiness. There is no area in which the absence of a rent officer is at present holding up the operation of the Act.