§ Mr. CarringtonTo ask the Attorney-General what action the Lord Chancellor proposes to take in relation to the lack of regulation over some private bailiffs who enforce judgments and orders by the seizure and sale of property.
The Attorney-GeneralThe right of a creditor to seize and sell a debtor's property to enforce a judgment or order is an important remedy which requires a difficult balance to be struck between the interests of creditors and debtors. This is not easy to achieve, whether enforcement be by sheriffs, county court bailiffs, certificated bailiffs, or other private bailiffs. My noble and learned Friend is currently conducting a review of the organisation and management582W of these civil enforcement agents and he hopes to publish a consultation paper later this year. The terms of reference of the review are, to consider:
- (a) whether changes should be made to the organisation and management of agents involved in the civil enforcement process;
- (b) the part which the state should play in the organisation and management of enforcement agents;
- (c) the ways in which any changes to the organisation and management of enforcement agents could be achieved;
- (d) whether any changes to the law governing the work of enforcement agents are necessary or desirable.
My noble and learned Friend envisages a three-month consultation period during which he hopes to obtain a wide spectrum of views. Any changes the Government decide to make as a result of the review are likely to involve legislation.