HC Deb 04 May 1972 vol 836 cc565-6
3. Mr. Mather

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses in Northern Ireland are known to be occupied by persons who are not the lawful tenants.

Mr. Channon:

It is estimated that more than 1,000 houses in Northern Ireland are occupied by persons who have not been granted legal tenancies.

Mr. Mather

Can my hon. Friend confirm whether there are still 200 houses in the New Barnsley Estate which are still illegally occupied? Will he tell us what can be done to restore these houses to their rightful occupants?

Mr. Channon

There are a large number of people on this estate in illegal occupation. They will, of course, be charged a fee for use and occupation. A large number of the people in this condition are emergency cases because of the situation in the Province, and many of these people will be entitled to legal tenancies.

Mr. Stratton Mills

May I urge my hon. Friend to carry out a major survey of housing in Northern Ireland where people are unable to sell their houses because of building society difficulties in trouble areas? Is my hon. Friend aware that there are squatters in them too? Is it possible to start a gigantic programme of purchasing houses through the Housing Executive, letting them to tenants and regularising the position?

Mr. Channon

I shall certainly con-consider my hon. Friend's suggestion which I think is extremely constructive.