§ LORD O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
What view they hold of the mistaken eviction in Balloon Woods, Nottingham, of a 23-year-old mother with three children between one and five years old; and what action they propose, particularly since the council is reported to have refused compensation for toys seized by the bailiffs.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE, DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (BARONESS YOUNG)The Government's view that local authorities should explore every possible alternative to eviction of families with children is well known. I welcome this opportunity of reinforcing this view. In the particular case referred to, there were misunderstandings on all sides. Once these had been cleared up, the local authority immediately reinstated the tenant. They have told the Department of the Environment that they had no intention of making her and her family homeless.