§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) which local authorities employ harassment officers to examine complaints made by tenants against landlords, and to initiate prosecutions in suitable cases;
(2) if he will introduce legislation requiring local authorities to appoint harassment officers to examine complaints made by tenants against landlords, and to initiate prosecutions in suitable cases.
§ Mr. AmeryI cannot give figures but the indications are that many local authorities, in whose areas such problems exist, either have or are making satisfactory arrangements for investigating complaints, and taking legal proceedings where necessary. I do not think this is a matter for legislation, but the Francis Committee's recommendations on the appointment of tenancy relations officers are very important and I am encouraging local authorities with the worst housing problems to act on this recommendation.