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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Cormack (Conservative). It was answered by Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative) on Thursday, 3 November 2011.


Protests: Tent Pitching

Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will introduce emergency legislation to make pitching a tent in a non-designated public space, or on a public thoroughfare, a criminal offence.
Answer

My Lords, the Government brought forward provisions in the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 which allow local authorities to attach the power of seizure to their by-laws for encampments on local authority land. These provisions will be commenced shortly. It is therefore not necessary to introduce emergency legislation. Protests on private land are the landowner’s responsibility but the Government are looking at existing laws to consider whether any additional measures are needed to deal with such encampments.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
731 c1347 
Session
2010-12
Oral question type
Lead
Procedure
Topical questions (HL)
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Protest
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk