Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants Etc.) Bill

My Lords, I cannot follow the noble Lord in matters of law. Looking at the intention of the Bill as it has been presented to me, the possibility that a legal process might unintentionally make people homeless, or at least involve them in great expense or inconvenience, is something that, where it can be avoided, should be avoided. I believe that the intention behind the Bill is to prevent somebody finding themselves, at sometimes only a few hours’ notice, thrown on the streets. That is something we should all support. People employed in our Whips’ Office have experienced this: through no fault of their own, they suddenly discover that the property they thought they had legal possession of is being taken away and they are exposed—this is somebody who has been paying rent. This is a comparatively modest measure and if I had to quibble at all, I would say that three months would be better than two. Possibly on a short-term tenancy, two months might be adequate, but three months might have given more flexibility. That would seem to be a very sensible course of action. It may also end up saving the Government money, since they would not have to worry about emergency accommodation, although, as has been pointed out, many of those affected by this are probably sorting things out themselves, but probably at considerable expense. The loss of deposits and, indeed, rent already paid, will happen, as the noble Lord, Lord Best, said. Somebody who has got themselves into arrears on a mortgage is probably not the best person to chase up for a lost deposit, which is a common area of disagreement between tenants and landlords. I suggest that the Bill be given a fair passage, as a very sensible way of dealing with a very real problem. If we have it in place, we may well be able to avoid a degree of discomfort and probably homelessness as well. I recommend that we give it all speed.