4. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs what action he proposes to take to ensure that con- 62 trolled premises do not become decontrolled on being vacated by a tenant who has been tricked or forcibly persuaded into giving up possession.
§ Sir K. JosephRemedies against improper pressure by a landlord already exist in the courts. The Milner Holland Committee will no doubt consider whether these are adequate and I think it would be right to await its conclusions.
Mrs. ButlerIs the Minister aware that it is becoming increasingly common for controlled tenants, particularly the elderly, to give up possession because of petty persecutions and even sheer bullying and in some cases misrepresentation of their legal position on the part of landlords, and that the procedure of injunction is too cumbersome and too difficult and, very often, not understood by them? While awaiting the Report of the Milner Holland Committee, will not the right hon. Gentleman take some action?
§ Sir K. JosephReports of this kind of deplorable incidents are generally associated with multi-occupied property, and Part IV of the new Housing Bill will greatly strengthen the defence of the tenants