§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will introduce legislation to the effect that a landlord must pay compensation or provide alternative accommodation to tenants who have to be evicted as a result of his overcrowding them.
§ Mr. MacCollMy right hon. Friend has no evidence that evictions are taking place in these circumstances. Where a direction to prevent or reduce overcrowding is served by a local authority under section 19 of the Housing Act, 1961, the landlord is not required to evict existing tenants; he is required not to replace tenants who cease to reside in the house as long as the number of tenants exceeds that specified in the direction.
I shall, however, be glad to look into any cases which may be known to my hon. Friend.