HC Deb 29 April 1996 vol 276 cc875-6

Amendment made: No. 52, in page 41, line 28, leave out '(in accordance with section 346(2) ) '.—[Mr. Clappison.]

Amendment proposed: No. 53, in page 42, line 1, leave out 'the Rent Acts or'.—[Mr. Clappison.]

Madam Speaker

With this, it will be convenient to take Government amendments Nos. 54 to 57.

Mr. Raynsford

We welcome the amendment in part as it deals with an issue that we highlighted in Committee whereby under the original provisions tenants risked losing their tenancies. The Government have accepted our logic to the point of deleting the phrase "the Rent Acts" so that tenants who enjoy regulated tenancies will no longer be subjected to that risk. A tenant with an assured tenancy, however, could lose his or her tenancy, so we are surprised that the amendment does not cover those tenants.

I hope that the Government will reflect on that. Our intention was simply to ensure that landlords could not override tenants' normal security on a technicality because of the poor condition of the property. I hope that the Government will think again and ensure that that is not a consequence of their action.

Mr. Clappison

As the hon. Gentleman said, the amendment reflects concerns that were expressed in Committee. It goes so far as assisting those with security of tenure when local authorities invoke occupancy directions or take other measures. We are always prepared to reflect upon those circumstances, but I cannot promise to meet the further concerns that the hon. Gentleman has outlined today.

Amendment agreed to.

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