§ 33. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Attorney-General if he can now make a statement as to Government policy in relation to the amendment of the law affecting leasehold property.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Lionel Heald)I regret that I have nothing to add to the replies which I gave on 12th May.
§ Brigadier MedlicottHaving regard to the importance of the issues involved and the very large number of people affected, could the statement, when it is ready, be made in the form of a White Paper?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe matter will be very carefully considered, but I cannot give any such undertaking.
§ Mr. CallaghanWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that a number of ground rent companies are touting owners of small dwelling-houses offering them terms for buying the freehold and that it is very difficult to give advice to such owners? When does he think he will have a statement to make, so that we can give advice to our constituents on the matter?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI cannot say by what date this decision will be made. 23 If the hon. Gentleman has any information to give me on the lines he is suggesting, I shall be very glad to consider it.
§ Mr. Turner-SamuelsWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind the criticism made by his party, when in Opposition, when the previous Government were presenting a Bill dealing partially with leasehold, that this matter was not being dealt with by the Government at that time?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI shall try to remember everything.