§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the average fine for those found guilty of winkling; how many landlords have been jailed under the Protection From Eviction Act 1977; and whether his Department has evidence that this practice is on the increase.
§ Mr. ArmstrongThe latest available information is for 1976. I understand that the average fine for offences under Section 30 of the Rent Act 1965, which has now been consolidated as Section 1 of the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, was approximately £60. One landlord was imprisoned. The maximum fine on summary conviction for an offence under this section is being increased under the Criminal Law Act 1977 from £400 to £1,000508W I have no evidence to suggest that harassment is generally on the increase, though it appears to be a continuing problem in some areas.