HC Deb 23 March 1948 vol 448 cc2742-5
4. Mr. Carmichael

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland with regard to the deputation recently received by him from the Glasgow Corporation concerning shop tenancy in Glasow, whether he will inform the House of the details of the representations; the nature of his reply to the deputation; and what measures he intends to take to meet the wishes of the Glasgow Corporation in the protection of shopkeepers.

Mr. Woodburn

The deputation represented that alarm was being caused by the issue in Glasgow of notices terminating existing tenancies of shops, offices and other business premises at the May term, and asked for remedial action. As I informed the deputation, I am examining the position as a matter of urgency in the light of the available evidence, including the complaints submitted by Glasgow Corporation.

Mr. Carmichael

How long is my right hon. Friend to continue this examination? Is he not of the opinion that the matter is extremely urgent, and that unless something is done a blank cheque is being given to the speculators in property in and around the City of Glasgow and many other towns in Scotland?

Mr. Woodburn

All these matters are questions of law, and before we take action we must be quite certain that we are acting within the law.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Has the right hon. Gentleman changed his mind since the time he announced a few weeks ago his general views upon this matter of landlord versus tenant.

Mr. Woodburn

No, Sir.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this evil is also to be found in other parts of Scotland, and that many orders for possession are being sought solely to enable the property to be resold at exorbitant prices, and a great deal of injustice is thereby being done? Will my right hon. Friend take steps to stop it?

Mr. Woodburn

As I have said, hon. Members on all sides of the House have sent me ample evidence on all this.

Mr. Carmichael

Recognising that the May term is a most important period, can my right hon. Friend give us some indication that his legal advisers, if they are the cause of the hold-up, will hurry on this examination and at least give us something on which to work to encourage people to resist this form of robbery—robbery of the worst possible kind—which is going on in the big cities in Scotland at the present time?

Mr. Woodburn

I sympathise with my hon. Friend and with the people involved, but I would not like to mislead them by making a premature statement before I decide on the actual facts of the matter.

5. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the terms of reference for the Committee of Inquiry into the tenure of shop premises.

Mr. Woodburn

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT the Committee's terms of reference. As the Committee indicate in their Report, they fully complied with the terms of their remit.

Sir T. Moore

Could the right hon. Gentleman say, in elaboration of what he is circulating, on what basis was the evidence selected, and who chose the witnesses to ensure that effect was given to the terms of reference?

Mr. Woodburn

There was public advertisement, and all who were affected were entitled to send any case to be examined, and evidence was collected in that form.

Following are the terms of reference: To investigate the present position in Scotland in which tenants of shops are placed at the termination of their tenancies, and to consider and advise—(1) whether tenants should be given a right to renewal of their tenancies and if so the terms (particularly as to rent and duration) on which any such renewal should be granted; (2) whether provision should be made for giving to tenants a right to compensation for improvements and goodwill on the termination of their tenancies; and (3) what machinery should be provided to carry into effect any recommendations made under the two preceding heads.
7. Mr. J. L. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give an estimate of the number of shop premises in Scotland upon which rent increases have been imposed in the last two years; and the approximate average increase in these cases.

Mr. Woodburn

There are no figures available on which to base an estimate of the number of shop premises in Scotland where rents have been increased in the last two years. As regards the second part of the Question, the Taylor Committee 'reported that the average rent today where increases have been made is approximately one-third higher than in 1939.

Mr. Williams

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that the number of shopkeepers affected is now large enough to demand new legislation at an early date?

Mr. Henderson Stewart

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that in all these matters he has also to consider the interests of large numbers of quite modest people who happen to own these properties?

Mr. Woodburn

The whole matter is being considered. Obviously whatever is done will not commit injustice to anyone. I take it that the wish of hon. Members is to avoid injustice, and it is from that point of view that I am examining the matter.

Mr. Gallacher

In view of the fact that the Secretary of State has had months' notice on this matter, could he not make a standstill regulation, until there is a decision as to whether legislation is necessary or not? Surely, he could do that?

Mr. Woodburn

That is an interesting suggestion, and it is being examined along with other things.

Mr. Rankin

Will my right hon. Friend keep in mind the fact that, while these properties may be owned by individuals, they are being bought by trusts for speculation?

Mr. Gallacher

By the Tories.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Inasmuch as injustices are being done in this matter, will the Minister consider some form of compensation which will be retrospective in order to compensate those who are now being victimised?

Mr. Gallacher

For heaven's sake do something. Give us a purge of the Tories.