§ 36. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when the Lord Chancellor intends to introduce legislation to implement Law Commission report No. 174, "Privity of Contract and Estate".
Mr. John M. TaylorAs I announced in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member for High Peak (Mr. Hendry), on 31 March, Official Report, column 198, the Government have decided, after careful consideration, to implement the Law Commission's recommendations for future leases but not for existing leases. The necessary legislation will be introduced as soon as there is a suitable legislative opportunity, but I cannot predict when such an opportunity will occur.
§ Mr. Clifton-BrownDoes my hon. Friend agree that it would be impractical to legislate retrospectively? However, in framing any amendments to the law, will he consult all 17 those involved, especially the professionals who advise on property matters, so that the people who have unwittingly been made bankrupt in these perplexing cases will not be subject to that particular law in the future?
Mr. TaylorI am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend for his question. He is right to say, and he understands, that it is the careful judgment of the Government that these measures cannot be retrospective. However, the consultation that he urges is valuable; there is a need for it, and he will be pleased to learn that the process has already begun.