§ 26. Colonel DAYasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the cost to the country caused by sickness owing to bad housing conditions, he will consider the introduction of legislation having as its object the licensing of all property owners who own and let houses with a rateable value under £80 a year, so as to enforce an approved standard of sanitation and repair in these houses?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Chamberlain)Local authorities already have wide powers under the Housing Act and Public Health Acts to secure the remedy of defects in, and the necessary repairs to, any houses, including power to execute the works themselves in default of the owners and to recover their expenses from the owners. In the circumstances I do not consider that legislation on the lines- suggested is necessary.
§ Colonel DAYCan the Minister of Health bring any pressure upon the local authorities to see that they do their duty in regard to this question?
§ Mr. CHAMBERLAINYes, continuous pressure is being placed upon local authorities in regard to this subject.