HC Deb 27 March 1962 vol 656 cc1012-4
Q6. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of public interest throughout Wales in a revision of the leasehold laws he will state the terms of his reply to the letter he has received from the Methodist Church in South Wales on the subject of leasehold reform.

The Prime Minister

The letter to which the hon. Member refers was acknowledged on my behalf. I have noted the views expressed in it and passed them on to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government who has the matter under consideration.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Prime Minister aware that the views expressed in this letter are shared by the people of all the Churches and all people in public life in Wales, including the leaders of the Conservative Party, as well as those on this side of the House? Will he take a personal interest in this matter, since the leaseholders in Wales can only look to the House for protection, and time is passing and they are suffering all the time?

The Prime Minister

Of course, I will take a personal interest, all the more because it was the Conservative Government that passed the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1954. My right hon. Friend tells me that he is asking the professional bodies concerned with land and property to let him have information about the practice of ground landlords, especially in South Wales, as regards the renewal of long leases or the sale of the freehold. I will certainly keep in touch with my right hon. Friend about this.

Mr. Gaitskell

Has the Prime Minister nothing further to tell us on this? Cannot he give us some indication of what Government policy is?

The Prime Minister

Government policy was enacted in the 1954 Act. My right hon. Friend is seeking advice from the professional bodies on how the Act is working.

Mr. Gaitskell

Is there not an overwhelming case for giving leaseholders the right to purchase the freehold under appropriate conditions?

The Prime Minister

That is. I think, what the 1954 Act did.

Mr. Gaitskell

It did not do that, surely.

The Prime Minister

I thought the right hon. Gentleman said to stay on. The Act gave them the right to remain as statutory tenants when their leases expired. That is a different thing from the right to purchase. I agree. We are now looking into the matter. I think it is only reasonable, as I have been asked this Question, that I should take a personal interest, but I should like the opportunity of consulting my right hon. Friend on the details.