§ Mr. LepperTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what monitoring his Department undertakes of the work of Leasehold Valuation Tribunals; and if he will publish a report on that monitoring. [105813]
§ Mr. MullinMy Department monitors the work load and staffing of the Leasehold Valuation Tribunals and their progress in resolving a variety of disputes relating to leasehold property. In addition, we have commissioned a study to monitor the implementation of the leasehold provisions of the Housing Act 1996, including the experience of leaseholders and freeholders using the tribunals. A report on the study will be published by the summer. We are also examining all aspects of the operation of the tribunals as part of a wider review of 129W the Rent Assessment Panels. I announced publication of a consultation paper on the review on 18 November 1999, Official Report, column 5W.
§ Mr. LepperTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he has issued to Leasehold Valuation Tribunals since September 1997. [105812]
§ Mr. MullinLeasehold Valuation Tribunals are independent statutory bodies and my Department does not issue them with guidance. The Presidents of Rent Assessment Panels, from which membership of the tribunals are drawn, are responsible for providing advice to members on legal, valuation and procedural matters relevant to the work of the tribunals.