§ Sir C. Edwardsasked the Minister of Health what communications he has had from persons whose homes have been destroyed or so extensively damaged through enemy action that they had to be destroyed; what reply was given; and whether he will bring in legislation exempting them from paying ground rent until another dwelling is erected and securing that the years of non-occupation be excluded from the lease?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI have been asked to reply. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that he has received communications on the general subject of rebuilding after the war, but not on the suggestions made in the Question. The Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Acts provide for remission of rents, including the remission of ground rents in the circumstances set out. They1172W do not provide far an extension of the lease, and in the view of my Noble Friend the Lord Chancellor there would be objection to such a proposal.