HC Deb 29 January 1941 vol 368 cc557-8
42. Mr. Parker

asked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to excuse payment of ground rent when holdings have been completely destroyed by enemy action?

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

I would refer to the answer given yesterday to the Question by the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Glenvil Hall).

Mr. Glenvil Hall

Why should the ground landlord be put in a better position than the owner of the building?

The Attorney-General

As I think the hon. Gentleman and the House know, the way in which this matter is dealt with is based on the principles laid down by the Uthwatt Committee, whose report was accepted by the Government with, I think, the general approval of the House. As I stated yesterday, the question, which has again been raised by a number of hon. Members, is again being considered.