Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 4 July 1991.
Mr John Patten
, Oxford West and Abingdon
12:00,
4 July 1991
The unauthorised occupation of any property is primarily a matter for the owner or lawful occupier of that property. I would be a bit cautious about giving local authorities greater power to deal with other people's property. But shop squatters who break the criminal law can be dealt with. I know that this is a matter of great concern to my hon. Friend.