§ 84. Mr. Iremongerasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what consultations he has had with the London boroughs concerned with problem families supported by the London Squatters' Association in unlawful occupation of public property; and what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the needs of these problem families are assessed and met.
§ Mr. MacCollThere have been consultations between officers on the temporary use of property pending demolition for redevelopment, and a letter on this subject was sent to local authorities in London in the terms referred to in the reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Hampstead (Mr. Whitaker) on 15th July.
The discussions also included an exchange of experience of local authorities who had had property occupied by squatters, and the outcome of the ways in which they had reacted. I am sure such exchanges of experience have considerable value, but it is for the council concerned in each case to decide on the wisest course, taking into account the needs of the families involved, as well as other relevant considerations.—[Vol. 787, c. 59–61.]