HC Deb 31 March 2004 vol 419 c1498W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister by what procedure certificates are issued authorising private companies to act as bailiffs on behalf of local authorities; and how many companies have(a) been refused certification and (b) had certification withdrawn in the past year. [164096]

Mr. Leslie

I have been asked to reply.

Certificates are not issued to private companies. Certificates can only be issued to individuals who fulfil the requirements of the Distress for Rent Rules 1988. Statistics are not kept for the number of refusals of certificates. Nine individuals have had their certificate cancelled by a county court judge in the past year.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to record the(a) number and (b) nature of complaints against bailiffs employed by local authorities. [164097]

Mr. Raynsford

None. This is a matter for local authorities and the bailiffs they employ.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance his Department issues to local authorities on ensuring that the activities of bailiffs employed by local authorities are in compliance with the Human Rights Act 1998. [164098]

Phil Hope

The former Lord Chancellor's Department published 'National Standards for Enforcement Agents' in April 2002.