HC Deb 23 July 1968 vol 769 c61W
44. Mr. Arnold Shaw

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will introduce legislation to prevent evictions unless executed with the authority of a court order.

Mr. MacColl

The Government have already brought in legislation prohibiting eviction without due process of law. Part HI of the Rent Act, 1965 has made it a criminal offence for an owner to enforce against a lawful residential occupier his right to recover possession of the premises otherwise than by proceedings in the court—and the penalties for illegal eviction are severe. I have recently written to my hon. Friend on a particular case which I think he has in mind.