asked the Minister for Finance whether, in view of the prevalence of unemployment the diminished incomes of large sections of the people and the constantly mounting prices of commodities he will state the proposals of the Government for restricting rent increases in respect of all classes of houses and for protecting people whose incomes have decreased against the loss of their houses; and, further, whether he will indicate if it is his intention in existing circumstances to introduce proposals for a moratorium in respect of obligations contracted by people who, through loss of employment or a substantial fall in their incomes due to the war situation, are unable to meet their obligations in regard to rent, house purchase agreements, hire-purchase buying and insurance policies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rent Increases.
I have made inquiries with regard to the first part of the Deputy's question and I am not aware that the position has materially changed since the Minister for Justice replied on the 8th June last to a somewhat similar question by Deputy Keyes. Consequently, the Government do not at present find it necessary to consider any proposals designed to supplement the existing Rent Restrictions Acts or to protect persons against the loss of their houses. The situation will, however, be kept under review.
With regard to the second part of the question, I am not aware of any circumstances which would cause me to modify the reply given to a question by Deputy Norton on the 19th March last when I stated that it was not my intention to introduce proposals for a moratorium of the kind suggested.