§ 1. Mr. Pavittasked Mr. Attorney-General how many applications were made during the preceding twelve months in county courts within the greater London area for suspension of an order of eviction under the Landlord and Tenant (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1958; how many were granted; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Jocelyn Simon)During the year 1960, which is the latest period of twelve months for which statistics are readily available, there were 392 applications for a suspension, of which 326 were granted. There were also 652 applications for the prolongation of orders for suspension, of which 528 were granted.
§ Mr. PavittIs the Solicitor-General aware of a statement made at Willesden County Court that there will be between 500 and 600 of these application by 1st August next, and that Judge Leon took the unprecedented step of inviting the Middlesex County Council to his court to ask the council to take special measures to assist people rendered homeless? Will the hon. Gentleman give some advice as to how the county court should deal with this matter if the learned judge's prognostications prove correct.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThe Department of my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor has had no evidence or communication to suggest that any applications that are made cannot be conveniently dealt with. Quite apart from 760 the learned judges who sit on the bench to hear these cases from day, as the hon. Member probably knows, there are a number of so-called "floating judges" who are available to deal with emergencies.