§ Mr. Joseph Deanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take about residential rents after the present freeze ends on 31st December.
§ Mr. CroslandIn the public sector I have decided to extend until 31st March 1975 the present order freezing rents. "Chis will allow time for the enactment of the Housing Rents and Subsidies Bill which has been introduced today. The Bill will provide for the return of responsibility for rent fixing to local authorities, and the extension of the freeze will remove the present uncertainties concerning rent increases after 31st December under the existing law.
In the private sector I also intend to extend the freeze, with certain modifications, until the restrictions on rent increases provided for in the Bill come into force. Measures will also be taken to terminate automatic decontrol by reference to rateable values.
The necessary orders will shortly be laid before Parliament. My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales will be taking corresponding action.