§ Mr. Maddenasked the Attorney-General how many people have complained to him about the conduct and use of private bailiffs, retained by local authorities in distraint action over rent arrears; what courses of redress are open to complainants; and in how many cases, in each of the last five years, bailiffs have been sued successfully.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend does receive occasional complaints. In levying distress bailiffs must comply with the law. A complainant can take civil proceedings for any infringement or report any alleged criminal offence to the police. In addition, the facts can be reported to a judge of the county court which granted the bailiff's certificate and the judge has power, if he thinks fit, to cancel the certificate. It is not known how many civil proceedings have been taken against certificated bailiffs, nor how many certificates have been considered for cancellation.