HC Deb 06 July 1939 vol 349 c1492
64. Sir Percy Harris

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the dilapidated condition of much of the property in London and the inability of sanitary inspectors to enforce repairs urgently required because of the present law which limits the responsibility of landlords for repairs to those rented below£ 40 a year; and whether he will consider introducing amending legislation to deal with this problem?

Mr. Elliot

I am not aware that the position is as suggested by the hon. Member, who no doubt has in mind the provision of Section 2 of the Housing Act, 1936, under which it is an implied condition in any contract for the letting of a house in the county of London at a rent not exceeding £40 that the house will be kept by the landlord in all respects reasonably fit for habitation. I would point out, however, that the powers and duties of local authorities under the Housing Acts of requiring repairs, and their powers under the Public Health Acts in relation to various matters affecting sanitary conditions, are not limited by the rental but apply to all working-class dwellings. In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that amending legislation is necessary, but, as stated in my reply to the hon. Member's question of 15th June, I shall be happy to communicate with the local authority concerned on any particular case which he brings to my notice.

Sir P. Harris

Will the right hon. Gentleman point out to the local authorities that they have such powers and suggest that they should exercise more vigour than they do at present?

Mr. Elliot

I shall be glad to communicate with them in respect to any matter which is brought to my notice.

Mr. Silverman

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the usefulness of the Section of the Housing Act, 1936, to which he referred has been seriously limited by a decision of the House of Lords which gives the advantage of that Section to the tenant himself, but excludes from its benefit his wife or children or anyone else living upon the premises?

Mr. Elliot

That question does not arise out of the original answer.

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