§ 3. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government to what extent the Housing Repairs and Rents Act has resulted in repairs being done to houses that would otherwise have fallen into disrepair.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. W. F. Deedes)It is impossible to measure this statistically; but there is growing evidence that more work of repair and improvement is being carried out as a result of the 1954 Act.
§ Mr. FletcherIs the Minister aware that this Act has very largely failed in its purpose of being a real attempt to deal with these derelict houses, and is it not time that the Government gave more power to local authorities to deal with them?
§ Mr. DeedesI do not accept that for a moment. It might well be said that progress could be quicker, but the results are not at all unsatisfactory.