The Increase of Rent.-Bill, as amended in the-Standing Com- mittee,
was read a third time in the House of Commons on Tuesday morning after an all-night sitting. The Committee had extended the.scope of the Bill to business premises as well as dwelling-houses, but the Government steadily opposed all further amendments of this kind, and had their way. It is as well that they did. The artificial restrictions placed on owners of dwelling-houses may be necessary for the time being in view of the reluctance of bricklayers and carpenters engaged on new houses to- do a fair day's work for extremely high wages. But there is no valid reason for applying similar restrictions to the owners of business premises whose tenants are well able to look after their own interests. The main effect of legislation of this- kind is to deter capitalists from_ investing money in the building industry,,and - thus to throw a. heavier responsibility on the municipalities and the State.
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