HC Deb 27 March 1958 vol 585 c571
16. Mrs. Jeger

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions have been brought by the police in the Metropolitan area since the passing of the Rent Act in connection with overcharging by landlords for furniture and fittings.

Mr. R. A. Butler

None, Sir.

Mrs. Jeger

May I ask the Home Secretary why not? Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that overcharging for furniture and fittings is one of the most cruel methods of exploitation of desperate people who are looking for somewhere to live? As his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government made this illegal in the Rent Act, 1957, is it not the duty of the Home Secretary to ensure that the police enforce the law instead of bringing it further into disrepute?

Mr. Butler

Power to prosecute for offences under the Rent Act, 1957, is expressly conferred on local authorities. The police are not precluded from prosecuting, but it would be contrary to the usual practice for them to do so.