§ 21. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he will introduce legislation to prohibit landlords from gaining violent entry to evict tenants who have got into difficulties with their rents following big rent increases resulting from the operation of the Rent Act.
§ Sir K. JosephNo, Sir. I am advised that it is already an offence for a landlord to gain entry forcibly.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Minister aware that, since I wrote to him about this shocking case of an employee of one of London's largest firms of landlords, which had secured an eviction order, smashing the window of this tenant with a hammer to secure entry—since I wrote to the Minister and since the eviction order was obtained—the clothing and furniture of this family were piled in the open in the rain for seven days? Will the Minister give his support to the Bill introduced by my hon. and well-informed Friend the Member for Paddington, North (Mr. Parkin), which would suspend the operation of a court order until suitable alternative accommodation had been found?
§ Sir K. JosephThis entry was under a court order and I understand that the tenants have found alternative accommodation.