HC Deb 20 July 1966 vol 732 cc626-7
45. Mr. William Wells

asked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the high proportion of landlords appearing before rent assessment committees who either are represented by solicitors or counsel or who call expert witnesses, he will hasten his review of this problem with a view to amending the regulations under the Legal Aid and Advice Acts so as to provide for the grant of legal aid in cases to be determined by these committees.

The Attorney-General

My noble Friend the Lord Chancellor will continue to watch this matter. But, as my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government indicated yesterday in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker), it is doubtful whether the extension of legal aid to these proceedings is really the answer to this problem. What would seem to be most needed where a party is without adequate means is the assistance of a surveyor. This, as my right hon. Friend indicated, he is considering.

Mr. Wells

Will my right hon. and learned Friend remember that the present position is loading the dice heavily in favour of property companies and tending to frustrate the purpose of rent control, and that second-best is better than nothing at all?

The Attorney-General

It is the availability of a competent and expert witness which could, I think, render the greatest assistance to the tenant, and it is along these lines that we are thinking.