HC Deb 28 February 1957 vol 565 c195W
36. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what duties are laid by his Regulations upon the Metropolitan Police in cases of the eviction of tenants from their houses; and what responsibility is imposed by those Regulations for the protection of furniture placed upon the streets.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Metropolitan police intervene in eviction cases only so far as may be necessary to prevent a breach of the peace, except in rare cases under the Small Tenements Recovery Act, 1838, when they may be authorised by the court to enter the premises. They would be responsible for furniture only if it were abandoned by the owner, when it would be removed to a place of safety.