§ Mr. Cantasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the operation of the Community Land Act in the light of the evidence that some local authorities are informing industrial developers or prospective tenants that 99-year leases will be extended to 125 years or converted to freeholds if the Community Land Act is amended or repealed.
§ Mr. Cartwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has evidence that local authorities are reaching unofficial agreements with developers to grant 125-year leases or freeholds for land disposed of under the Community Land Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettNo local authority may dispose of any material interest in land—including the extension of a lease—without the consent of the Secretary of State. We have no evidence of an authority acting unlawfully in this respect. The worth of mere contingent promises must be judged by those who receive them.
§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is aware that certain developers and companies are being offered leases of more than the 99 years permitted under the 768W Community Land Act; if he will comment on this development; and if he will prevent such deals from taking place.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettNegotiations with developers are a matter for the local authority concerned. Exceptions to the 99-years rule are considered by the Secretay of State on their merits, and a relatively small number of consents to longer leases have been given in exceptional cases.