§ 39. Mr. Callaghanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he will call for a report from his medical officer of health on the existence of a sewerage inspection chamber constructed beneath the living room of 15, Paget Road, Penarth, in view of the danger to public health.
§ Mr. MarplesOne of my right hon. Friend's engineering inspectors has visited these premises. The inspection chamber has been sealed down with cement and my right hon. Friend is advised that it does not now constitute a danger to the health of the occupants.
§ Mr. CallaghanIs the Minister aware that this matter came to light only because of the smell in the living room? Does he really think that this practice should be pursued? Should not the inspection chamber be put outside the house?
§ Mr. MarplesThese are old houses which were constructed before the modern building byelaws came into operation. The drainage system is an old one which cannot be altered unless the house is pulled down. It is adequate provided that the occupier does not do what the occupier in this case did. In this instance the occupier made a, no doubt, praiseworthy but unsuccessful attempt to stop the smell himself by interfering with the inspection chamber.