§ 3. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Attorney-General, in view of recent evidence of the inadequacy of Part I of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1954, in protecting owner-occupiers of leasehold property from unreasonable demands by landlords for the purchase of freehold, whether he will introduce legislation to remedy this situation.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo. The tenant can refuse any offer of the freehold at an unreasonable price, in the knowledge that the Act of 1954 gives him security of tenure. No further legislation is called for.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Attorney-General aware that the same Act takes away from a man the house which he has bought? Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman also aware that, since he last replied to this subject, Cardiff's largest ground landlord has so stepped up its demand for premiums and for excessive prices of freeholds that thousands of South-walians are signing a petition asking for legislation and that three hon. Members opposite have publicly declared their support of it? What will the right hon. and learned Gentleman do to protect the little householders in South Wales?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThese observations do not appear to me to arise out of the Question which I have been asked.
§ Mr. ThomasBut may I ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether he is aware that thousands of people in South Wales will have the leases of their houses running out within the next twenty years and that the thought of being allowed to stay in the house which they have bought but having to pay a full economic rent shocks them? Surely the right hon. and learned Gentleman realises that public opinion demands some action.
§ 4. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the repeated declaration by a finance corporation that it will restrict the sale of freeholds in South Wales, he will institute a special commission of inquiry, other than a Royal Commission, into the social consequences of the present leasehold system.
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo. The leasehold system has been so fully investigated by the Jenkins Committee, which reported in 1950, that I do not consider a further inquiry now would serve any useful purpose.
§ Mr. ThomasIs the Attorney-General aware that that is an appalling reply? Is he aware that eleven years have passed since the Jenkins Committee reported and that since this Question appeared on the Order Paper the 634 matter has also been repeated on the Order Paper in the form of an Amendment in the name of the hon. Member for Cardiff, North (Mr. Box) and some of his hon. Friends, to a Motion in my name and the names of some of my hon. Friends on leasehold reform in South Wales? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman at least set up an impartial committee to look at the problem in South Wales, where it is urgent?
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy answer is the same as before, "No, Sir".
§ Mr. ThomasIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.