§ 33. Mr. Clifton-BrownTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he plans to introduce legislation to implement the recommendations of the Law Commission in its report "Property Law: Liability for Chancel Repairs", Law Commission No. 152. [12250]
§ Mr. StreeterMy hon. Friend has long championed a change in the law relating to liability for chancel repairs. He will understand that the likelihood of legislation in this Parliament is now remote.
§ Mr. Clifton-BrownI thank my hon. Friend for that answer, although it was disappointing. This is a complex issue and the problem is that those people with the liability find that it is arbitrary both in the timing and in the amount that they have to pay. Will my hon. Friend accept that it is an anachronistic concept? Tithes were redeemed with compensation some time ago. Does my hon. Friend accept that that should be the ultimate aim for chancel repairs liability? Will he seek to continue to discuss the problem with the relevant parties so that something can be done?
§ Mr. StreeterMy hon. Friend has been determined in pursuit of that important matter. He will know that the Law Commission report threw up some complex issues of principle and law that require full and careful consideration. Some of the concerns remain and we will of course continue to consider the matter carefully. I am sure that he will continue to lobby on behalf of his constituents.