§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on how many occasions over the longest and most convenient stated period of time four policemen with a black maria were called to arrest ratepayers for failing to pay their rates, in the Metropolitan Police district in general and the London Borough of Newham in particular;
(2) what is the general rule regarding the Metropolitan Police being used by private landlords and local authorities to enforce payment of rates; how many police officers are employed on this type of work in the Metropolitan Police area; and at what costs.
§ Mr. SharplesI would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his Questions on 28th October. The cost of executing warrants relating to payment of rates cannot be separately assessed.— [Vol. 823, c.410.]