To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the implications for the operation and effectiveness of part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 of certain leases granted to Blue Dolphin fish and chip shops in north Devon and other parts of the United Kingdom by Blue Dolphin Fish Restaurants Ltd.; what response he has made to those representations; and if he will make a statement.

My hon. Friend's representations have been received, but no others. The terms of a commercial lease are a matter for free negotiation between prospective landlord and tenant, preferably with the aid of professional advice. Our 1985 review of part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 concluded that there were no pressing reasons to amend the legislation which was generally working well. If a party to a lease has reason go suppose that the other party is acting outside the general law the appropriate action is through the courts.