§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers are available to local authorities, housing associations, housing co-operatives and the private rented sector to evict people convicted of drug dealing and drug-related offences; what plans has he to introduce further measures; and if he will make a statement. [24093]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 8 March 1995,Official Report, column 227.
I have no plans to introduce further measures specifically in relation to people convicted of drug dealing and drug-related offences, but I am issuing a consultation paper to local authorities and other bodies seeking their views on the introduction of probationary tenancies to help to deal with anti-social behaviour more generally.
§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what measures he plans to introduce to support the chief constable and officers of Strathclyde police in their efforts to bring drug dealers, money lenders and professional intimidators to justice; and if he will make a statement; [24133]
(2) what further measures he plans to deal with drug dealing and illegal money lending; what plans he has to introduce any pilot measures in the Paisley area; and if he will make a statement. [24058]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonDecisions about tackling drug dealing and illegal money lending and about bringing professional intimidators to justice are operational matters for the police. My right hon. Friend will continue to seek to ensure that the police have adequate resources and equipment to tackle the full range of policing requirements for which they have responsibility.