§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the committee, under the chairmanship of Sir Robert Porter, QC, which is inquiring into the operation of the rent restriction law in the Province, will report; when the committee was set up; what is its membership; what bodies were consulted before the members were appointed; what are its terms of reference; and what is the total cost to date.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe membership of the committee, which was appointed on 16th May 1973, is as follows:
Sir Robert Porter, QC—Chairman.
Mr. J. R. Comerton.
Miss J. E. Craig.
Mr. T. Flynn.
Mr. H. A. Frazer.
Mr. H. G. Simpson, OBE.
Mr. William McCafferty.
Before the appointment of the committee, nominations were invited from various organisations expected to have an interest in the Rent Restriction Acts and the effects of those Acts on the supply 495W of privately-owned residential accommodation.
The committee's terms of reference are:
to examine the operation of the rent restriction acts in Northern Ireland and to make recommendations as to what changes in these acts, if any, should be made in regard to the letting of privately owned residential accommodation, both unfurnished and furnished, taking into consideration,
- 1. the need to conserve as far as possible the present stock of sound older houses;
- 2. rents presently charged for housing accommodation;
- 3. the maintenance of a balance between the interests of tenants and landlords; and
- 4. legislation on these matters in Great Britain."
The cost to date is about £3,600. The committee is expected to report very soon.