§ 49. Sir Stanley Reedasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the frequent disparity between the rentals paid by the Government Departments concerned, and the rentals paid by the dispossessed tenants, he will consider suspending all tenancy agreements affecting requisitioned premises for the duration of the requisitioning, and for the Government Departments to make direct agreements with lessors and owners of the properties?
§ Sir K. WoodLegislation would be necessary in England and Wales to suspend the tenancy agreement whenever a leasehold property was requisitioned. When the rent payable by the tenant includes the provision of services by the landlord, it is the practice of departments to negotiate with the landlord for an abatement of the rent payable by the tenant.
§ Sir S. ReedIs it equitable that tenants of property which have been requisitioned should remain under heavy contractual obligations, although they have not the use of the property?
§ Sir K. WoodI appreciate the point.
§ Sir I. AlberyCan the Chancellor say whether, in equity, there is any real difference between the position of a man whose property has been lost by enemy bombing, and that of a man whose property has been taken over by the Government for the purposes of the war?
Colonel A. EvansCan the Chancellor say what steps the Treasury are prepared to take when the negotiations he has mentioned are not successful?
§ Sir K. WoodThat is a different question, and must be put on the Paper.
§ Sir I. AlberyThis question has been raised several times, and I have asked whether it would be submitted to the legal officers of the Crown.
§ Sir K. WoodCertainly, I will do that.