§ Sir David SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from owners of retirement flats concerning uncontrolled increases in service charges imposed by development companies after sale; and what response he has made.
§ Mr. LangThe Scottish Office has received a number of representations, particularly in recent months, from owners, and persons or bodies representing owners, about the management of private sheltered housing, including increases in service charges. Our general view has been that it would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene in contracts freely entered into between buyers and sellers of retirement flats. However, the Scottish Law Commission is engaged in a comprehensive review of property law in Scotland and we shall shall study carefully any recommendations that the commission makes for legislative or other action in this area.