HC Deb 05 March 1964 vol 690 cc1510-1
27. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Secretary of Sate for the Home Department if he will call for a report of the investigations recently conducted by the Metropolitan Police into the activities of a landlord or landlords owning properties in St. Panel as and adjacent boroughs; and if he will communicate its contents to the Minister of Housing and Local Government

Mr. Brooke

I have already received a report on police investigations into allegations involving the activities of certain landlords in St. Pancras and neighbouring areas, and I have supplied a copy to my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Housing and Local Government.

Mr. Robinson

Is the Home Secretary aware that I am grateful for that reply? Has he noted that the police have been given information of at least 50 cases where persons, including my constituents, have lost deposits amounting to about £1,500 to this landlord, Sydney William Haines, and his two or three associates? If a prosecution is not possible under the existing law, will the right hon. Gentleman discuss with his right hon. Friend some way of closing the loopholes in the law in order to protect from this kind of extortion innocent persons who need accommodation?

Mr. Brooke

I have received and read this report, which concerns my own constituency as well as that of the hon. Member and certain other London boroughs. I am sure that if the report is thought by the Commissioner to give ground for prosecution there will be a prosecution, but apart from that I am sure that the next necessary thing is for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government to consider it in all its implications.