HC Deb 12 December 1979 vol 975 cc1275-6
1. Mr. Geraint Howells

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to reform the Leasehold Reform Act.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg)

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales told the House on 3 December in reply to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Barry (Sir R. Gower), the Housing Bill will contain proposals whereby valuation disputes arising under the Leasehold Reform Act 1967 will be referred in the first instance to local leasehold valuation tribunals.

We are considering other aspects of leasehold reform but are not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. Howells

I am grateful to the Minister for his reply. Is he aware that there are more leasehold properties in Wales than in many other parts of Britain? In view of the seriousness of the situation, will the Government consider setting up a special inquiry, or a Royal Commission, to look into the whole affair?

Mr. Finsberg

I think it would be wiser if we waited to see what happens when the valuation disputes proceed through the new proposal that we have made. There are, after all, a substantial number of similar properties outside the Principality.

Mr. Douglas-Mann

Is the Minister contemplating extending rights under the Leasehold Reform Act to flats? Has he any such proposals? Is he also considering the removal of rateable value limits? Does he realise that the limits can cause considerable hardship?

Mr. Finsberg

I have little to add to the original answer I gave to the hon. Member for Cardigan (Mr. Howells). All I can say is that the Act at present applies only to houses for technical, legal reasons. We want to look at the question of extension to leases of flats in the longer term. As the hon. Gentleman knows, it is a complex position.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

Does my hon. Friend recognise that many of my constituents are not covered by the Leasehold Reform Act because they are in Crown Estate property? Will he initiate discussions to see whether they can be brought in some way, if not by legislation?

Mr. Finsberg

That is a different angle from the original question. I shall certainly look at the point that my hon. Friend has raised.

Mr. Anderson

Will the Minister reconsider the five-year limit on eligibility? Will he say why the Government opposed a formula for enfranchisement?

Mr. Finsberg

I think that the hon. Gentleman should wait in patience a little longer.