Alex White (Labour)

I move amendment No. 19:

In page 30, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following subsection:

"(2) Where a tenant has, on or after the 12th day of December 2007, effected a renunciation as referred to in subsection (1), the tenant shall be deemed not to be entitled to a new lease for a period of 20 years, and any lease for a shorter period effected on foot of such renunciation shall be deemed to be valid.".

I would be interested to hear the Minister of State's response to this matter because it arises in respect of a particular case that has been brought to our attention. The amendment is designed to ensure renunciations of the right to a new lease, pending the passing of the Bill, would be recognised as valid. Otherwise, some tenants would have their tenancies terminated and hardship might be created. I am keen to hear the Minister of State's response on that and in particular ask him to explain the rationale for removing the words "prior to the commencement of the tenancy" from the section. It may be that his response will be convincing and in those circumstances I will take a view on the amendment we are proposing but I would like to hear from the Minister of State in that regard.