HC Deb 14 May 1941 vol 371 cc1208-9
44. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Attorney-General when he proposes to introduce legislation to deal with ground rents of bombed and unfit properties; and is he aware that in some cases solicitors, acting for ground landlords, have issued writs for forfeiture of leases where ground rent remains unpaid on such properties?

62. Mr. W. H. Green

asked the Attorney-General whether he is in a position to state when promised legislation is likely to be introduced to deal with the grievance at present suffered by owners of leasehold property, which has been demolished by the enemy and who, at present, are compelled to continue to pay the full ground rent to the ground landlord?

The Solicitor-General (Sir William Jowitt)

I am aware that action has been taken in some cases to enforce the payment of ground rent. Notice of presentation of the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage Amendment) Bill which deals with this subject appears in to-day's Order Paper, and copies of the Bill will be available at the Vote Office.

Mr. Bellenger

While the latter part of that answer is satisfactory, may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman to take steps to discourage the starting of actions in this matter, which only involve heavy costs, sometimes more than the amount of the ground rent, in view of the Bill which is now to come before Parliament?

The Solicitor-General

Perhaps the Bill which is being introduced will have the desired effect.