§ Sir C. Rawsonasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps at an early date to set up an impartial inquiry into the matter of the Regent Street ground rents?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonThe question of ground rents in Regent Street was fully considered by my predecessor and myself after deputations of hon. Members1228W had been received by my right hon. Friend on 19th December, 1934, and 20th July, 1936. As a result it was decided to grant ex gratia relief, exceptionally, to any trading tenants in Regent Street who paid a ground rent in excess of 25s. a square foot and submitted accounts showing that they were in straits. Claims for temporary remission of rent on this basis have been substantiated in a few instances and relief has been granted. I regret that I cannot agree to set up an inquiry to consider the question of remissions on any wider basis.