§ Mr. Stallardasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the operation of the Rent Act 1974; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonYes. By increasing security of tenure for furnished tenants the Act will reduce the threat of homelessness. The increased stability in this sector will, of course, itself lead to a reduction in the number of vacancies advertised.
There is little recent detailed information on the stock of rented accommodation, but we shall be repeating the survey of Press advertisements made for the Francis Committee once the situation following the introduction of the Act is fully established.
The Department is also reviewing existing statistical material with a view to 604W assessing the effect of the Act on the supply of furnished accommodation, though it will not be possible to draw conclusions for some time.