§ 29. Mr. Barnesasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many prosecutions there have been to the latest available date, under the Rent Act, 1965, against landlords who try to get tenants to leave by means of violence, threats or other interference.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. James MacColl)Up to the end of 1966 there was 335 prosecutions for offences under Part III of the Rent Act, 1965–203 for harassment and 132 for unlawful eviction. One person was imprisoned and 192 fines were imposed.
§ Mr. BarnesWould not my hon. Friend agree that, in areas where landlords and tenants often tend to live in the same house, this is a considerable problem? Would it be possible for the police to take more positive action when complaints are made instead of merely referring the matter to the local authority?
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend is reviewing the working of the Act in this context, but, as far as we know, the police are co-operating adequately with local authorities.