§ Sir J. Lucasasked the Attorney-General whether, in view of the reduction in income suffered as a result of the war and of increased taxation by the lessees of houses and flats held on long leases at high rents entered into prior to the war, and as such cases are not covered by the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1939, so long as such lessees have any means to pay, he will introduce legislation enabling such leases to be terminated by persons able to satisfy the courts that they have suffered a reduction of not less than 20 per cent. in their income from the above causes if the lessors will not grant a corresponding reduction in the rent?
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs my hon. Friend will be aware, from other answers I have given in connection with similar matters, the whole question of the effect of war conditions on persons interested in premises is being fully investigated. In this connection, the position of landlords must, of course, be considered along with that of lessees. Pending a decision being made as a result of these investigations I am unable to say what, if any, steps are necessary or practicable with a view to assisting persons in the position of those mentioned in the Question.