HL Deb 15 May 1985 vol 463 cc1245-6WA
Baroness Gardner of Parkes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether legislation is to be introduced to amend Case 11 of Schedule 15 to the Rent Act 1977 in the light of the decision in the Court of Appeal on the case of Pocock v. Steel.

Lord Skelmersdale

The Government have considered carefully the implications for landlords using Case 11 of the Court of Appeal's decision, which has overturned the widely accepted view of the effect of the case. We have decided that the legislation should be amended.

The main effects that amending legislation should have are, first, to enable landlords to use Case 11 in respect of a letting of a dwelling which they have occupied at any time in the past; and, secondly, to restore to owners with existing Case 11 lettings the right to use that case to regain possession of their homes, provided that they can satisfy the requirements of the case as amended. There would also need to be certain transitional provisions.

My honourable friend the Member for Hampshire East obtained leave on 14th May to introduce a Bill which would have these effects. The Bill is being published today and will have the Government's support.