§ 9. Mr. Barnesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied with the speed at which the machinery set up under the Leasehold Reform Act to enable leaseholders to acquire their freeholds is now working; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollAs my hon. Friend will be aware, most cases are settled by agreement, between the parties. If there are delays in the handling of cases before the Lands Tribunal, I will gladly look into them, and if my hon. Friend has evidence of unwarrantable delays, I should be glad to have particulars.
§ Mr. BarnesIs my hon. Friend aware that many leaseholders are being told by their solicitors that it might take years for their cases to come before the Lands Tribunal and when they come before it they will probably gain very little because of the way decisions by the Tribunal appear to be going? Could he say why the Act does not appear to treat leasholders as favourably as it was originally claimed it would?
Mr. McCollThere have been only two decisions so far. As I have said in answer to my hon. Friend, if he will produce particular cases in which there is delay my right hon. Friend will certainly see what he can do to improve the position.
§ Mr. Roy HughesDoes my hon. Friend appreciate that there is much dissatisfaction with the operation of this Act in Wales and that many leaseholders are reluctant to go to the Lands Tribunal because recent decisions tend to give the impression that the dice is loaded in favour of the freeholder? Therefore, will he take an early opportunity to amend the Act and to introduce proposals to swing the balance back in favour of the leaseholder?
Mr. McCollMy right hon. Friend is aware of the feeling on this matter. He is looking into it to see if anything, and what, could be done to improve the position.