§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is satisfied with the operation of the Rent Act 1965, Part III; how many offences since the date of the Act are recorded for harassment and illegal eviction; how many local authorities are giving guidance to tenants on their rights under the provisions of the Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacCollFrom the coming into force of this Act up to 30th September, 1968, there were 456 prosecutions for the offence of harassment resulting in the conviction of 186 persons in respect of 243 offences, 236 fines were imposed and three persons were imprisoned; there were 398 prosecutions for illegal eviction resulting in the conviction of 241 persons in respect of 269 offences; 268 fines were imposed and one person was imprisoned. Also, many local authorities have found that where it appears an offence of this kind is being committed or contemplated, a warning to the landlord can often terminate or prevent it. My right hon. Friend is proposing to give new publicity to tenants' rights later this year.
The number of local authorities who have made special arrangements for giving guidance to tenants is unknown, but such arrangements are common where complaints of these offences are frequent.
My right hon. Friend considers that Part III has had a valuable effect in discouraging harassment and illegal eviction and that it can continue to do so, but he will not be satisfied so long as these offences occur.