§ Mr. HeddleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether there has been any follow-up work since he consulted on the current working of part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, with particular reference to its affect on small business tenancies.
§ Mr. WaldegraveMy right hon. Friend is grateful that my hon. Friend raised this issue. I am pleased to announce that in response to widespread demand the Department has today published new guidance on the workings of the main business lettings legislation for England and Wales.
Since the 1985 review of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, part II, with particular reference to small business tenancies, the Government have, as promised, been monitoring the legislation. In consequence, my Department has revised the existing booklet, with the aim of providing clear and concise guidance on the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants under the Act, and on those issues most frequently raised by tenants and landlords.
The new leaflet, which is complementary to the booklet, briefly outlines the basic features of the legislation and highlights potential problem areas for landlords and tenants under the Act, particularly for small business men or business women involved in business lettings for the first time. The leaflet also indicates in diagrammatic form the statutory procedures which have to be followed.
I am sure that these publications, which will be available free from citizens advice bureaux, small firms centres, local authorities and the Department's publications store at Ruislip, will be immensely useful both to those already engaged in business lettings, he they landlord or tenant, and to those just starting up in business. These publications are available in the House of Commons Library.