§ 46. Mr. Thurtleasked the Attorney-General if he proposes to introduce legislation on similar lines as that of the Tenancy of Shops (Scotland) Bill, introduced by the Secretary of State for Scotland, to protect the shopkeepers of England and Wales, whose insecurity of tenure is similar to that of shopkeepers in Scotland.
§ 47. Mr. Jannerasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that hardship is being suffered by many shopkeepers and tenants of office accommodation owing to the lack of security which they have in their tenancies; and if he will introduce appropriate legislation to remedy the position.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Hartley Shawcross)The tenancies of shops and office accommodation are among the 28 matters which are being considered by the Leasehold Committee. The Committee will deal with these matters in their interim report on business premises which they expect shortly to present. The question of legislation on this matter will be considered in the light of any recommendations which the report may contain.
§ Mr. ThurtleMay I take it that the Attorney-General is genuinely anxious to see that English tenant shopkeepers get the same standard of justice as Scottish tenant shopkeepers?
§ The Attorney-GeneralYes, Sir.
§ Mr. JannerMay I ask my right hon. and learned Friend to use the personal knowledge which I am sure he must have of these matters, in speedily remedying the position, as large rentals per week are being asked from tenants of shops and also from tenants of offices when their tenancies expire?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThis matter has been referred to the Leasehold Committee, and we must await the results of their inquiry and their specific recommendations.
§ Mr. Harold DaviesIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that a large clothing firm from the North of England has taken over an entire building in Trafalgar Square and is coercing tenants of offices into making agreements for seven years and then reserving a right of option to terminate the tenancy at six months' notice?