Former MP for Luton
I believe that co-operation is preferable to compulsion and that a fresh effort on this basis can increase the number of improvements. I shall, within the next few weeks, be asking local authorities to make a new drive to secure the carrying out of improvement schemes for whole groups or areas of houses in agreement with the owners. Though I would hope that most owners would be willing to...
When I was in Leeds last week, where they have adopted, broadly speaking, the method I shall be advocating in the circular, I was very greatly impressed by the results of a concentrated drive on a particular area, including offers, if necessary, to lend money to the owner of the property. The whole scheme has produced very significant results there. As a next step I want to see it done...
If the right hon. Gentleman wants to extend his natural interest in that fluid, I suggest he puts down a Question.
As I informed the hon. Member on 5th June, I am examining the problems relating to the renewal of ground leases of residential property, on the basis of market value. I do not expect to complete this complex task before the Summer Recess.
I did not say in the statement I made in the House five weeks ago that the study would be completed by the Summer Recess. This is a complex problem as a study of the Landlord and Tenant Act, 1964, will exhibit. I am pressing on with all seriousness and vigour, but it will not be completed by the Summer Recess.
The latter part of the statement which I made to the House related to the few people now confronted by the problem as an immediate one. As soon as the study is complete——
—I will indicate the view of the Government. I cannot forecast with exactness when the study will be complete but it is being pressed on with all vigour.
I will convey the point made by my hon. Friend to my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General.
