Oral Answers to Questions — Hong Kong (Rents Control Committee)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 1 July 1953.

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Photo of Mr Jon Rankin Mr Jon Rankin , Glasgow Tradeston 12:00, 1 July 1953

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the functions and the membership of the Rents Control Committee in Hong Kong; who appoints it; and what increases in rents it has recommended.

Photo of Mr Oliver Lyttelton Mr Oliver Lyttelton , Aldershot

As the Answer is rather long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Photo of Mr Jon Rankin Mr Jon Rankin , Glasgow Tradeston

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not rents are being increased, and by how much?

Photo of Mr Oliver Lyttelton Mr Oliver Lyttelton , Aldershot

I must really ask the hon. Member to look at the details I am supplying, because some of the rents are being increased.

Following is the answer: The Rent Control Committee was appointed by the Governor of Hong Kong in 1952 to inquire into and make recommendations on questions of rent control. Its members were Mr. John McNeill, Q.C. (Chairman), Mr. Thomas Archdale Martin, Mr. Lee Wai Tong and Mr. Frederick Shanks (Secretary).The Committee recommended that rent control of business premises should continue for a further three years and then cease, and that increases in standard rents (over and above the permitted increase of 100 per cent.) should be permitted during those three years to the extent of 50 per cent. immediately, a further 50 per cent. after one year, and a further 100 per cent. after two years. As regards domestic premises, the Committee recommended that rent control should continue for at least three years, the position being reviewed after two years, and that increases in standard rents (over and above the permitted increase of 30 per cent.) should be permitted to the extent of 50 per cent. immediately and a further 50 per cent. after two years.