asked the Minister of Health what action he is taking to secure that dental facilities are made available to persons entitled to dental benefit but unable to obtain it owing to the present dispute far beyond the original question and is now asking for a new Rents Act.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

is the Minister not aware that a lot of people will not appeal to the tribunals for the very reason that they are afraid that they will be turned out of their apartments, and have not I myself reported particular cases to the right hon. Gentleman?

This is always a matter of balancing considerations If we tie a tenant and a sub-tenant together too long by Act of Parliament we might create most appalling friction and at the same time deny accommodation to those in need. Furthermore, where a tenant is sometimes lethargic or loath to apply to a tribunal the local authority has power to apply on the tenant's behalf.

Following is the answer to the latter part of the Question:

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Reigate (Mr. Touche) by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Insurance on 17th April.

In view of the length of time that has elapsed since 17th April and the hardships which have taken place during that period, is the right hon. Gentleman not able to tell the House if there is any further action contemplated?

There is no further action under contemplation, but the extent of the distress is not as great as we first feared, and the area of distress is being gradually reduced.