§ 47. Mr. Medlicottasked the Attorney-General if he is aware of the continuing injustice of the present law applicable to leasehold tenure; the disparity as the end of the lease approaches between the bargaining power the lessee on the one hand and the reversioner on the other hand; and whether in view of the admitted difficulties of framing satisfactory legislation he will consult with the Law Society and other appropriate bodies with a view to a suitable Bill being drafted at the earliest practicable date.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Frank Soskice)As I informed the hon. Member for Oldham (Mr. Hale) on 30th October, this matter is receiving consideration.
§ Mr. MedlicottIs the Solicitor-General aware that the position is being made more and more difficult by the fact that reversioners are reluctant to sell the freehold to their tenants on any terms or at any price at the present time, and will he give an assurance that on this admittedly difficult problem the Law Society and the Surveyors' Institute will be consulted on the practical problems which arise.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThese are matters of which account will be taken, and, of course, appropriate consultations will be undertaken.
§ Mr. HaleIs my hon. and learned Friend aware that the Deputy-Leader of the House gave a definite undertaking in the Debate on Private Members' time that the necessary Parliamentary time would be found for legislation this Session provided that the necessary measure of party agreement could be obtained, and that we should be grateful for the expert advice and co-operation of the hon. Member for East Norfolk (Mr. Medlicott) in achieving this object?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI do not think I can add to what I have already said. The matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. Hector HughesWill my hon. and learned Friend take steps to eliminate middle interests between head lessors and occupying tenants, as those middle interests are giving rise to a good deal of hardship?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralAll relevant questions will be taken into account.