§ 18. Mr. Ronald Chamberlainasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the urgency of the matter, he will now publish the interim Report of the Committee on Leasehold Reform, and state what action the Government propose to take in connection with it.
§ 19. Mr. George Thomasasked the Attorney-General whether he will publish as a White Paper the interim Report of the Committee on Leasehold Reform.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Frank Soskice)I am not yet able to make any statement on the Government's intentions regarding the interim Report of the Leasehold Committee, which is still under consideration. Its publication and a statement of the Government's intentions will not, however, be long delayed.
§ Mr. ChamberlainIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of the concern on the part of shopkeepers and small traders at this continued procrastination in the matter? Does he know that they are worried, not only because of the many cases of suffering in connection with their leases, but also because they realise that, in the unlikely event of the Opposition becoming the Government in a year's time, they would have no hope of redress at all?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI am well aware of the great concern about this matter.
§ Lieut.-Colonel LiptonIs not it possible for the interim report to be published forthwith and the Government statement thereon to be made at a later date?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralIt is still under consideration and, as I have said, it will be published shortly.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say when the Report was received by the Lord Chancellor?
§ The Solicitor-GeneralIt was received on 14th March and is still being considered.
§ Mr. ChamberlainMay I ask my right hon. and learned Friend to use every effort to expedite the matter, because it is of real urgency? Individual traders and shopkeepers are suffering greatly.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe contents of the Report are matters of great public interest and its publication will not be long delayed. I do not think that I can add to that.