Four hundred people pack Hampstead Town Hall to protest against the Conservative Party s new Rent Bill, which decreases security of tenure and allows increases in rents which had been frozen at pre-war levels. Between 200 and 300 more are turned away. One

Four hundred people pack Hampstead Town Hall to protest against the Conservative Party's new Rent Bill, which decreases security of tenure and allows increases in rents which had been frozen at pre-war levels. Between 200 and 300 more are turned away.

One speaker reported back from a meeting with Mr Henry Brooke, Hampstead's MP and Minister of Housing and Welsh Affairs, quoting him as saying the Rent Bill was "courageous". Laughter and jeers followed when Mr Brooke admitted that some people might lose their homes but added: "If you can't afford the new rent, ask your landlord to transfer you to a cheaper flat."

Hampstead Parliament, oldest model parliament in the country since it was founded 66 years ago, opens its new session with a Swiss Cottage woman elected as Prime Minister.