HC Deb 25 July 1966 vol 732 cc1183-4
6. Mr. Luard

asked the Minister of Land and Natural Resources what proportion of leaseholders in Oxford he estimates will be excluded from enfranchisement by the limit of rateable value proposed in the White Paper on Leasehold Reform.

Mr. Willey

About 8 per cent.

Mr. Luard

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is a very much smaller proportion than other estimates which have been made concerning Oxford, which suggests that about one-third of the total of leasehold property in Oxford will be excluded by this provision? Does not he agree that this is a very strong argument for raising the present limit laid down in the White Paper to a much higher level at least in areas such as Oxford where rather special conditions obtain?

Mr. Willey

I think that the figures can be reconciled if we remember that the earlier figures include properties converted into flats and used as hostels.