HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 c2208

Lords Amendment No. 14: In page 42, line 7, at end insert new Clause "A": A. Section 170 of the Housing Act 1957 (power of local authority to require information as to ownership of premises) shall have effect, with respect to offences committed after the commencement of this Act, as if for the words 'five pounds' there were substituted the words 'fifty pounds'.

Mr. Skeffington

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.

This Amendment is designed to increase the penalty of £5, which has remained unchanged since 1930. In cases of multiple occupation certain people have been prepared repeatedly to pay a fine of £5 and not divulge the information which would enable the local authority to make the necessary order. This point was originally raised by the Association of Municipal Corporations. I am sure that the House will welcome the Amendment.

Question put and agreed to.