§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware of the increase in intimidation of tenants and of threats to rent officers by landlords in some areas; if he will state the number of prosecutions for harassment since the Rent Act, 1965; and if he will ask local authorities to take appropriate action in all cases where there is a prima facie case.
§ Mr. MacCollHarassment is less of a problem than it was before the Rent Act, 1965 was passed, though incidents still occur. Up to 30th September, 1967 there had been 558 prosecutions in England and Wales for offences under Part III of the Act; of these 316 were for harassment and 242 for unlawful eviction. In a circular in November, 1965 local authorities were encouraged to institute proceedings wherever this was called for. My right hon. Friend will gladly consider the problem of any areas where my hon. Friend has reason to believe that harrassment is occurring.