§ 14. Mr. Eric Fletcherasked the Attorney-General whether he will introduce legislation to keep in force the provisions of the Leasehold Property (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1951.
§ 15. Mr. Desmond Donnellyasked the Attorney-General whether the Government will extend the provisions of the Leasehold Act, 1951, for a further two years, or until such time as comprehensive legislation is introduced.
§ 16. Mr. Barnett Jannerasked the Attorney-General whether he will make a statement in respect of proposed legislation to protect lessees of leasehold premises against eviction on the termination of their tenancies and against the imposition on them of increased rentals.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Lionel Heald)The Leasehold Property (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1951, does not expire until midsummer 1953. The Government are considering what legislation to introduce in its place.
§ Mr. FletcherIn view of the uncertainty which the present situation causes, will the right hon. and learned Gentleman see that the Government's intentions are announced soon?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI assure the hon. Gentleman that the Government have their attention fully directed to this matter.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that I asked in Question No. 15 whether the Government would extend the provisions of the Act either for two years
or until such time as comprehensive legislation is introduced"?Does he not agree that it is simple to give an assurance that if the comprehensive legislation is not introduced these provisions will be extended?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI cannot give an undertaking about legislation which will not be possible in this Session.
§ Mr. Herbert MorrisonAssuming that Her Majesty's Government lasts sufficiently long, can we have an assurance from the right hon. and learned Gentleman that existing legislation will not be allowed to lapse and that something will take its place before it expires?
§ The Attorney-GeneralIn regard to something else taking its place, I can certainly give an assurance. I think the right hon. Gentleman can also take that assurance in the light of the very unlikely nature of the possibility that he has just mentioned.
§ Mr. JannerWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman indicate that well before 1953 action will be taken so that people who are coming to the end of their tenancies, or are likely to come to the end of their leaseholds, will not be in danger of eviction or of higher rents?
§ The Attorney-GeneralWe fully appreciate the anxiety of the hon. Member, and we shall consider the matter very carefully.