48. Mr. Lead bitterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) how many cases were dealt with by the rent officer in Hartlepool during each of the past six weeks and how many during each of the past six months; and what staff is employed in his office;
(2) how many applications were made to the rent officer, Hartlepool, for a reduction in rent; how many of these were successful; and what office hours were allocated to deal with these cases during the past four weeks.
§ Mr. MacCollDuring the last six weeks one application for the registration of a fair rent was determined. This application by a tenant was made to, and determined by, the rent officer for Hartlepool during the four week period ended 28th February, and resulted in the rent previously payable by the tenant being reduced. During the last six months a total of 17 fair rents were registered. Two in September, 3 in October, 5 in November, 3 each in December and January and 1 in February. In the same period two certificates of fair rent were issued in September and one in December. The rent officer is employed on a part-time basis and is assisted by one shorthand typist.