§ 31. Mr. George Thomasasked the Attorney-General what proposals he has for legislation following upon the Interim Report of the Committee on Leasehold Reform.
§ 32. Mr. Thurtleasked the Attorney-General whether the Government propose to introduce legislation to safeguard the position of sitting tenants of business premises as suggested by the Interim Report of the Leasehold Committee.
§ 33. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the hardship to thousands of small businesses all over the country, he will introduce legislation at an early date to implement 736 the Interim Report of the Leasehold Committee.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Frank Soskice)The Government propose to defer reaching a decision on the proposals contained in the Interim Report until they have had an opportunity of considering any recommendations that may be made in the final Report of the Leasehold Committee.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Solicitor-General aware that his reply will cause considerable disappointment, because the present system is causing hardship and insecurity among business people? Is he further aware that the matter is of particular urgency?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI am aware that the matter is one of great importance, but it is also extremely complex and requires full consideration in all its aspects before any steps are taken.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIn view of the fact that the Committee has gone into such great details on this matter and has made specific recommendations, surely the complexity of the subject cannot be any reason for not doing justice to a deserving section of the community?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralIn spite of the fact that the recommendations are made, very full consideration has to be given as a result of the recommendations.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIf a decision is to be delayed until the final Report is issued, can the Solicitor-General give an assurance that the proposed legislation will not be limited merely to those leases signed after the Report has been implemented by Act of Parliament?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI cannot add to what I have already said in regard to the Government's decision.
§ Mr. Hector HughesWill my right hon. and learned Friend say whether the Government will put into operation the proposals, or some part of them, piecemeal, particularly with regard to the elimination of intermediate interests which operate so harshly upon the community at present?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI have already said what the Government's decision is, and I cannot add to what I have already said.