§ 70. Mr. Donnellyasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the hardships being caused to certain householders by the increase in ground rents now taking place; and what legislation he intends to introduce to deal with the problem.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am not aware of any hardships being caused by any increase in ground rents now taking place. If the hon. Member would like to give me particulars of any cases of which he has knowledge I will gladly consider them.
It may be that a rent higher than that fixed on the grant of the lease many years ago is asked for its renewal. But a tenant is not bound to accept onerous terms or, in default of acceptance, to quit the premises, as under the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1954, he can enjoy the protection of the Rent Acts when the ground lease expires and so obtain the security of tenure afforded by those Acts.