Shops (Unauthorised Occupation)

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 4 Gorffennaf 1991.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr John Hannam Mr John Hannam , Exeter 12:00, 4 Gorffennaf 1991

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the incidence of empty high street shops being occupied by unlawful traders is on the increase and that, as things stand, neither the local authority nor the police can evict them? It takes weeks and months to get hold of the absentee landlord in order to obtain a court action. Should not the Government do as they did with the hippy convoys some time ago and bring those squatters within the criminal law?