asked the Minister for Justice if it is intended to introduce proposals for legislation to give effect to the recommendations contained in Paragraphs 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 of the final Report of the Town Tenants Commission, relating to excessive rents of occupying tenants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Excessive Rents.
I would point out to the Deputy that the recommendations in question were made in April, 1928, on the assumption that the Increase of Rent Acts would cease to operate in 1929, as was then the intention (see paragraph 37 of the Report). By virtue of subsequent legislation, however, these Acts are still in force, and will continue in force until the end of the present year, to the same extent as they were in 1929. No decision has yet been reached as to the action, if any, to be taken by the Government when the existing Acts expire, viz., at the end of the present year; in the meantime an extension of the existing restrictions is not in contemplation.
Does not the Minister consider it desirable that the Government's intentions in respect of these recommendations should be announced early?
I have already stated that on the expiration of the present Acts it will be time enough to express our intentions.
Is it the intention of the Government to allow these Acts to expire—to wait until they have expired before deciding what alternative legislation will be introduced?
If the Deputy waits, he will see.