(for Sir Smedley Crooke)asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the growing indignation felt by owner-occupiers, many of whom are ex-service men, by the calling-in of mortgages by certain building societies for the purpose of increasing the interest; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking steps to amend the Rent and Mortgage Interest Restrictions Act, 1939, to protect these owner-occupiers from unreasonable treatment?

I am aware of the action to which my hon. Friend refers, though I understand that it will have the effect of leaving the periodical payment sun changed but extending the time over which those payments were made. As regards the second part of the Question, I would refer to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health on 20th March to my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor).

Has my right hon. and gallant Friend seen the very strong resolution that was passed by the Birmingham Corporation on this subject, and will he not reconsider the very serious social consequences of this change?

Yes, Sir. I have seen the resolution, but I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman satisfied that these societies acted within their legal rights?

I should require notice of that question.