Mr. Baker White:

asked the Minister of Health for what reason he has issued instructions to his Regional Housing Officers to supplement, by delegation of the power to requisition, the provisions of the Furnished Houses (Rent Control) Act, 1946; and whether he will publish these instructions.

No such instructions have been issued.

Mr. Baker White:

Is the Minister aware that his own regional officer has stated in a letter, of which I will give him a copy, that such instructions have been issued, and that that is why I ask this Question, because there seems to be some conflict on this matter?

Steps have been taken in individual cases, but no general instructions have been issued.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will increase the three months period of security of tenure guaranteed to a tenant after he has brought his grievance before a rent tribunal.

This would require legislation of which there is no early prospect.

Is the Minister aware that the tribunals served a good purpose in the early days; that owing to the fact that so many evictions were being applied for by landlords, they are holding back at the present time; and that in cities like Birmingham the difficulty is that many thousands of evictions are taking place as a result?

Yes, but a very large number of references are still made to the tribunals, which is evidence of the fact that they are still of very considerable value. I have always said that it is undesirable to tie tenant and landlord for too long a period, otherwise it means that sufficient furnished accommodation would not be made available.

Is the Minister aware that very strong feeling exists in the country on this subject, and that in some parts of the country the existing regulations actually defeat the whole purpose for which these tribunals were set up?

I am aware that in some instances abuse does take place, and I am seriously considering how it can be dealt with. As I explained earlier, in reply to a previous Question, requisitioning of premises is sometimes used.

Could the Minister be a little more specific when he says that legislation is required, that there is no prospect of legislation, yet he is seriously considering how to deal with this problem?

I have already said, in answer to a previous Question, that in some instances, where the abuse is gross, requisitioning powers have been used.

Would the Minister bear in mind, if and when this Act calls for amendment, that there are many other matters which experience shows call for amendment; and would he also bear in mind the adverse effect on the relationship of landlord and tenant occasioned in cases where the local authority makes a reference without the initiative or, indeed, against the will of the tenant concerned?

That is another matter.