§ 65. Mr. Bellengerasked the Attorney-General how many possession orders have been obtained by Messrs. Barber, Walker, and Company, Limited, against their tenants at Harworth, Nottinghamshire, involved in the present trade dispute; and when the earliest order is due for execution?
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)I have been able to ascertain the number of possession orders applied for since October of last year by Messrs. Barber, Walker and Company, Limited. I cannot say whether the tenants are involved in the present trade dispute. Eighty-five possession orders have been made, but in only three cases has possession been obtained. The remainder are suspended on terms until varying dates. A further 173 applications were returnable on 23rd February, but the hearing was adjourned on the plaintiffs' application till 23rd March.
§ Mr. BellengerMay I ask the hon. and learned Gentleman whether any legal steps can be taken by these tenants to 365 obtain suspension of these orders, considering the negotiations which are now going on between the Minister of Mines and certain other parties?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am afraid that I am precluded by my office from giving legal advice to private individuals, but I have no doubt that the tenants whom the hon. Gentleman has in mind would be able to get legal advice as to whether they have any rights in that respect.
§ Mr. BuchananIn view of the fact that a large number of these people are involved in a trade dispute and that the taking over of their houses will bring women and children into the dispute, could not the hon. and learned Gentleman see his way to approach the firm and ask them, in the interests of humanity, to stop these possession orders?
§ The Attorney-GeneralI am afraid that that is entirely outside my province. The hon. Gentleman asks for certain information in his question which I have got for him.