§ 6. Mr. Liptonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has issued to the Metropolitan Police when called to premises where a landlord proposes to evict a tenant.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNone, Sir. The Metropolitan Police intervene in eviction cases only so far as may be necessary to prevent a breach of the peace, except in rare cases under the Small Tenements Recovery Act, 1838, when they may be authorised by the court to enter the premises.
§ Mr. LiptonIn order to preserve the good relations which normally prevail between Londoners and the London police, will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that, next October, the police will not be used under the Rent Act, 1957, to help landlords to evict tenants unless, at the least, there is a court order for possession obtained by the landlord beforehand? We do not want the police mixed up with these things any more than absolutely necessary.
§ Mr. ButlerIt is normal for the police, if officers find that there is a dispute about the existence or terms of an order made by a rent tribunal, to refer the parties to the rent tribunal. In regard to the general matter to which the hon. Gentleman referred, I think that he can rely upon the discretion of the London police.