HC Deb 13 May 1969 vol 783 cc1195-6
5. Mr. Roy Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now seek to amend the Leasehold Reform Act, 1967, in order to further clarify the basis of determination of the charges for enfranchisement following the recent decisions of the Land Tribunal; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. George Thomas

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies my hon. Friend the Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government gave to him and to my hon. Friend the Member for Woolwich, East (Mr. Mayhew) on 28th April.—[Vol. 782, c. 173–4.]

Mr. Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend appreciate, nevertheless, that the great expectations raised by the passing of this Act have not been realised? Particularly in view of the recent Lands Tribunal decision, would he seek to amend it soon to assist those leaseholders, particularly in South Wales—many of whom are in the autumn of their lives—who are finding it very difficult to cope with these matters?

Mr. Thomas

I am well aware of the facts to which my hon. Friend has drawn my attention and I can assure him that the Government are also aware. I ask him to be patient for a little longer, when I hope that he will have good news.

Mr. Gower

In view of the prominent part which the right hon. Gentleman played in this Measure, and in which he always had my support, can he amplify his assurance to say that he will press his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing to bring in the necessary Amendment? Would he also consider the analogous problem of difficulty in the sale of certain flats?

Mr. Thomas

I will look into the latter question. On the first, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will, if the Government table the necessary Amendment, ensure the support of his own side.

Mr. E. Rowlands

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many leaseholders have already managed to take advantage of the terms of the Leasehold Reform Act, and that, as a result of the Lands Tribunal decision, there are some difficulties over the question of whether leaseholders are bidding in the open market for their freeholds and whether they should pay market value? Would my right hon. Friend consider this when reviewing the legislation?

Mr. Thomas

Those are major considerations, and I would ask my hon. Friend, who has also played a prominent part in this leasehold agitation, to be patient a little longer.