asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared to grant facilities to the Distressed Tenants Bill; and will he state precisely what steps the Government have taken, or are taking, to prevent the eviction of unemployed tenants who cannot pay their rent?

The Government cannot see their way to give facilities for this Bill. With regard to the latter part of the question, the hon. and gallant Member will recollect that the Government made proposals for the protection of unemployed tenants which a majority of the House refused to accept.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that the Government intend to take no steps themselves, and will not permit a Private Member's proposal to have facilities?

I did not say that we do not mean to take any steps ourselves, but I reminded the hon. and gallant Gentleman of what the House had done, and that we cannot take over the particular Bill in question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question on the Paper, namely. "What steps the Government propose to take?"

HON. MEMBERS:

Answer!

On a point of Order. May we not have an answer to the question put by the hon. and gallant Gentleman?

The question seems to be as to whether the answer already given is not sufficient.

Sir F. HALL:

On a point of Order. If you, Sir, took particular notice of the reply that was given by the right hon. Gentleman you would see that he did not indicate what steps the Government intended to take; are we not entitled to know the view of the Government on that particular subject?

I can only add, on behalf of the Government, that we welcome the evidence of the friendly interest in this matter of hon. Gentlemen opposite.