Mrs. Jeger:

asked the Postmaster-General why, as landlord of 34, Calthorpe Street, W.C.1, his Department has increased the rent of four rooms there from £1 6s. 10d. to £2 10s. 4d. per week, especially having regard to the condition of the property and the lack of basic amenities.

I am having urgent inquiries made and will write to the hon Member as soon as possible.

Mrs. Jeger:

Does not the Minister think it an absolute disgrace that the rent of these rooms has been practically doubled when the sanitary inspector has found thirteen items, including a defective roof, which in the case of a private landlord would make the rooms eligible for a certificate of disrepair? Is not this a disgraceful example for the Government to set?

I said that I would look into this. After I have done so I hope that the hon. Lady will be satisfied with my investigation.