I move amendment No. 47:—
To insert a new sub-section (1) a follows:—
This section applies to every controlled (non-1923 Act) premises the rateable value whereof is fifteen pounds or under and to no other premises.
This amendment is somewhat similar to the point raised by Deputy O'Connor yesterday and also mentioned by myself, that builders erected houses either immediately pre-war or in the earlier years during the war at very heavy building costs. The rates on these houses, which were at that time about £6, have now risen to as much as £18. When the tenancy falls vacant the builders are not in a position to renew it. They have not sufficient capital to continue letting houses of that type and, unless they are exempted from control they will have to sell them. I think the Minister is familiar with the argument in favour of this amendment. Certain companies, such as the one mentioned yesterday, may be in a position to continue because they are operating on a larger scale, but smaller builders who erected a number of houses since 1940 or 1941, the rates on which have probably trebled, are not in a position to continue to let them, and they will automatically sell them. In that way, these houses will be outside the scope of this Bill. Whether it is enacted as it stands or not, the landlord will sell in any case.