§ 31. Sir SAMUEL SCOTTasked what were the old ground rents upon the Crown property in Regent Street; and what are the new ground rents now asked for by the Crown for a renewal of lease, together with the building requirements?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe old ground rents of Crown property in Regent Street (a street formed and sewered entirely at the cost of the Crown) are not uniform. The rents obtained on new lettings are based 568 on the present value of the land as certified by the Crown Surveyor in accordance with the provisions of the Land Revenue Acts, and vary according to the position of the site, the relative amount of frontage to back land included in the letting, and other circumstances. A general reply to the question is not therefore practicable. As re-lettings are effected, full information including both old and new rents are given with Commissioners of Woods' reports to Parliament, but if the hon. Member desires further information as to any particular case it can probably be furnished. On re-lettings in Regent Street rebuilding has usually been necessary to meet modern requirements and has been carried out by the lessee as part of the arrangement for re-letting.
§ Sir S. SCOTTMay I ask whether the increase of rent is based in any case on the goodwill of the tenant?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNo, we try to avoid assessing the goodwill of the tenant as far as possible, and I understand the Crown surveyor does not take that into account.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPECan the right hon. Gentleman give us the average percentage of increases?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf I gave an average like a great many other percentage calculations it would be totally misleading.
§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNEIn view of the widespread interest in this subject among Members of his own party, will the right hon. Gentleman issue a White Paper giving this information?