To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer to the hon. Member for Bromsgrove (Mr. Thomason) of 31 March, Official Report, columns 293–94, when he expects to introduce a consultation paper on upward-only rent reviews, confidentiality clauses and dispute resolution procedures in relation to new commercial leases.
I am publishing a consultation paper today on upward-only rent reviews, confidentiality clauses and dispute resolution procedures in relation to new commercial leases, following my announcement on 31 March, Official Report, columns 293–94, in response to my hon. Friend the Member for Bromsgrove (Mr. Thomason).A copy has been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. As I made clear in my earlier statement, the Government will carefully examine the responses before considering whether it is appropriate to legislate or take other action on any of these issues. They have no intention of legislating in any way that would alter the terms in existing contracts.