HL Deb 31 July 1974 vol 353 c2310

11.25 a.m.

LORD THOMAS

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the provisions of the Rent Bill would make it impossible for those whose work requires them to live abroad to recover possession of their houses which they have let furnished to tenants in their absence.

LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, no. The provisions of the Bill enable anyone wishing to let his own home during his temporary absence, whether abroad or not, to do so while retaining an absolute right to repossess it—subject of course to the terms of the lease—when he needs it again to live in himself. The Bill also enables people who have already let their homes furnished to secure their rights to recover possession when they need it.

LORD THOMAS

My Lords, I am very much obliged and thank the Leader of the House for that reassuring news, which will bring comfort to a large number of people who have to travel overseas.