To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received for amendments to landlord and tenant legislation to prohibit contracts which allow only upward rent revision and to make provision for both upward and downward revision mandatory; what proposals he has for legislation in the matter; and if he will make a statement.

We have received three representations about upward-only rent reviews since the main legislation for business tenancies, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 part II, was reviewed in 1985. Following consultation it was concluded that the balance between tenant and landlord rights and obligations was being maintained and that overall the Act continued to work well. That remains the position and the Government do not intend to intervene further in the business lettings market.