HC Deb 06 May 1965 vol 711 c1536
8. Mr. Box

asked the Secretary of State for Wales whether he will issue a circular to recommend local authorities in Wales to extend any leases expiring in the near future on the same terms and until such time as the leasehold Bill is introduced.

Mr. James Griffiths

As I informed the hon. Member in reply, to his Question on 21st January, I do not wish to anticipate the legislation to which my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Housing and Local Government, referred to in his statement on 8th December last.

Mr. Box

Could not the right hon. Gentleman be a little more precise about when this important leasehold Bill is to be introduced? Is he aware that many of his hon. and right hon. Friends who have been very vocal in the past in their criticism of the system, are now strangely silent? Is he further aware that many people feel that the Government are deliberately dragging their feet in the hope of being rescued by a General Election defeat and so avoid having to introduce this legislation?

Mr. Griffiths

I have told the hon. Member before that I share his anxiety that this legislation should come in as soon as possible. It will come in the course of this Session.