HC Deb 29 June 1939 vol 349 cc626-7
89. Mr. J. Hall

asked the Home Secretary how many tenants of Langdale Mansions, Stepney, received hospital treatment following the eviction of several tenants on 17th June; what was the extent of their injuries; and is he prepared to take any action to expedite a settlement of the issues involved between landlords and tenants?

Mr. Peake

I presume the hon. Member is referring to incidents which took place on 27th June. On that occasion, county court bailiffs charged with the execution of ejectment warrants against certain tenants at Langdale Mansions notified the police that they anticipated meeting with opposition in carrying out their duty under the orders of the court. It became, therefore, the duty of the police to attend to preserve the peace. A force of 49 police officers was detailed for the purpose and these had later to be reinforced by a further 34. A cordon was not formed until serious disturbances had occurred and a large crowd had assembled, and when it was formed all persons with lawful business were allowed to pass. I am informed that three persons in all, one of whom was not a tenant, complained of injury, and of these one only was taken to hospital. The settlement of disputes between landlords and tenants is not a matter in which my right hon. Friend has any power to take any action. It is clearly laid down in the instructions to constables that they are not to intervene in such disputes and that their sole function is to preserve the peace.

Mr. Silverman

Are we to understand from the reply that on a mere notification by the bailiffs that they anticipated opposition in the carrying out of their duty the police sent 49 members of the force to assist the bailiffs in the evictions? If that is so, will the hon. Member tell us under what authority the police took that action?

Mr. Peake

I can only say that it seems to me a very good thing that such a large police force was, in fact, sent, otherwise the disturbance might have had much more serious results.

Mr. Silverman

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.