THIRD READING. (Hansard, 17 May 1892)

§ LORD HERSCHELL

My Lords, in moving the Third Reading of this Bill, I do not propose to revive the subject of controversy which gave rise to some discussion on the last stage of the Bill; there is only one point which was referred to by the noble Marquess on which I wish to say a word or two. The noble Marquess suggested a doubt whether there were any cases of real hardship owing to the regulations upon alienation of assignment of a lease, and owing to a forfeiture for breach of the covenants relating to not assigning. Now, my Lords, I quoted on that occasion one or two cases that had been brought to my notice, and I think it right to say that since that time I have had several communications which point to the conclusion that cases of hardship and harsh and inconsiderate treatment by lessors are by no means rare. The noble Marquess suggested that there might be an inquiry upon the subject. It will be obvious that when persons have had their leases forfeited, and lost money in consequence, a good many of them are unwilling to make known the fact of that loss, and that by a want of care they have placed themselves in a position of that description; and therefore one can quite well understand that there may be many more cases of hardship, such as I have alluded to, than would be likely to be made public. Nevertheless 1090 I shall certainly keep my attention fixed upon the subject, and, although I am not aware how many cases of such hardship the noble Marquess would consider a sufficient basis for legislation, if I obtain such information to a greater extent than I possess at present, I shall propose to invite the attention of your Lordships to the subject on a future occasion. I now move that the Bill be read a third time.