§ 40. Mr. David Steelasked the Member answering for Church Commissioners if he will make a statement on the policy of the Church Commissioners towards squatting.
§ Mr. Terry WalkerAs one of the largest owners of privately rented residential accommodation in London, the majority of which is let to tenants of moderate means, the Commissioners welcome this opportunity of publicising their policy as regards squatters. While having the greatest sympathy with genuinely home-les families, the Commissioners can only deplore the activities of a militant minority of illegal squatters who, on an increasing scale, are disrupting the proper management of residential estates. All too often the squatters' action is at the direct expense of those for whom the accommodation in question is earmarked and whose own urgent rehousing needs are thus unfairly jeopardised. The Commissioners therefore welcome the firm stand taken on this matter by the Secretary of State for the Environment and they themselves 155W will not hesitate to continue to take such immediate legal action as is necessary to protect their own legitimate interests and those of their law-abiding tenants.