§ Mr. Scottasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will introduce legislation to amend the 1968 Rent Act and the 1967 Leasehold Reform Act so that service charges are excluded from assessed rents, in view of the fact that the market in good quality flats has been frozen; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollThe hon. Member doubtless has in mind the recently 53W expressed opinion that if the total amount payable for rent and services by the holder of a long lease were to rise above two-thirds of the rateable value the lease may become subject to rent regulation. Only the courts can establish with certainty whether this is the position, but my right hon. Friend is having some inquiries made about the possible extent of this problem, and he will then consider whether any further action is called for.