asked the Attorney-General what action he proposes to take arising from the Court of Appeal decision in Morelle Limited v. Waterworth that companies registered in Eire cannot legally own real estate in Great Britain without a licence from the Crown.

I very much regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Is it not a fact that the Crown now has a legal title to all the properties formerly owned by Arthur Bertram Walters through these companies? How much longer will the right hon. and learned Gentleman allow rents to be collected and these properties to be sold by this wicked and fraudulent rogue?

I am not in a position to accept the first part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's Question as an accurate statement. That is one of the points which has to be considered, and it involves a considerable amount of research to find the correct answer.

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman please consider this as a matter of urgency, because many of us have a large number of properties in our constituencies owned by this firm? No rent is being paid now, only rates, and the places are falling into a serious state of dilapidation. We understand that the recent court decision means that the Crown can take over properties where it is shown that they are owned by companies now situated in Ireland. Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman please help, because many tenants are affected?

I recognise the wideness of the problem, and a decision in this case has much wider implications than merely in relation to companies registered in Eire.

Will the Attorney-General consider this matter in relation to this particular point? Is it necessary to worry about the wider implications? Why is he so tender-hearted towards this particular operator?

I do not feel any tenderness at all towards this particular operator, but one has to have regard to the decision of the court and its implications before being able to make a positive statement.