Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Oral Answers to Questions

Michael Ellis Excerpts
Thursday 25th November 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Stunell Portrait Andrew Stunell
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The hon. Gentleman is quite right that the picture is very complex. That is why when the settlement comes, he will see that the Government have responded to the points he has raised.

Michael Ellis Portrait Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con)
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9. What steps he is taking to reduce the number of squatters.

Grant Shapps Portrait The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Shapps)
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On 8 November I published an online guide for home owners affected by squatters, setting out the rights and action they can take. We are also taking steps to help get empty homes back into productive use and will be helping to reduce the scope for squatting by doing this.

Michael Ellis Portrait Michael Ellis
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I thank the Minister for that answer, but we have some long-established squatters in Parliament square. What are we going to do about them?

Grant Shapps Portrait Grant Shapps
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As the Prime Minister said yesterday, the Government share the concerns about the current state of Parliament square. I can inform the House that we intend to introduce legislation shortly.