§ Mr. Peter Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he has concluded his review of the legal position of Crown Estate tenants.
§ Mr. HeseltineThe Government have tabled a new clause and schedule to the Housing Bill which will enable tenants of the Crown Estate Commissioners and the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall to benefit from formal Rent Act protection.
It has been the practice of the Crown Estate Commissioners to apply the Rent Acts administratively. Nevertheless, in the light of recent representations and a review of their arrangements in which tenants' associations were consulted, the Commissioners have concluded that their tenancies should be formally included within the Rent Acts and associated legislation in order that their tenants should have no doubts about their rights and status. The Duchies have decided that they wish to do likewise. The Government agree with these conclusions. As well as applying the Rent Act 1977, the new clause and schedule also apply the Rent (Agriculture) Act 1976 and part I of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.