§ Mr. Harold Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he remains satisfied with the present voluntary arrangements for the determination of public house rents;
(2) if he will introduce legislation to give greater security of tenure to tenants of licensed premises.
§ Mrs. FennerTenancies of public houses have been excluded from protection under the Rent Acts since 1933, mainly in order to preserve the jurisdiction of the licensing authorities. The Government do not intend to change this position.
Renewal of leases and determination of rent for public houses are subject to a voluntary code of practice drawn up and agreed by the Brewers' Society and National Union of Licensed Victuallers. This code, which has recently been revised, provides for independent arbitration of disputes between landlord and tenant over rents. My Ministry is responsible for monitoring these arrangements, and ensuring their effectiveness. We have received no complaints in recent times from tenants or brewers about the code and I am satisfied that it is working adequately.