House of Lords written question – answered at on 22 June 2010.
Lord Lucas
Conservative
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider amending the law to negate the decision of the Court of Appeal in Sheriff of Bedford and Toseland Building Supplies Limited v Bishop (1993) that goods commonly known as "tools of the trade" are not exempt from seizure by bailiffs if they are occasionally used by a person other than the defaulter.
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will consider exempting from seizure by bailiffs motor vehicles that are necessary for a person in debt, or a member of his or her family, to travel to and from work.
Lord McNally
Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Liberal Democrat Leader in the House of Lords
The Government have no current plans to prevent the seizure of motor vehicles or negate the case of Sheriff of Bedford and Toseland Building Supplies Limited v Bishop (1993). We have, however, given a commitment to provide more protection against aggressive bailiffs.
Yes3 people think so
No2 people think not
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