HC Deb 30 October 1956 vol 558 cc1230-1
15. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if he is aware that where the walls of a house have been exposed through the demolition of the house next door by a local authority, deterioration is often caused by exposure to the weather ; and if he will introduce legislation to provide for compensation to the tenant or make it an obligation that the party walls so exposed shall be made weatherproof by those who demolish the neighbouring house.

Mr. Powell

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend has no reason to doubt that local authorities are already fulfilling their reasonable obligations in this matter.

Mr. Awbery

Is the Minister aware that the local authority is not under an obligation to put the wall right, that the house is deteriorating, that in a very short time the person living in it will have to be turned out, and that the council will have to find alternative accommodation for the tenant? Will the Minister give power to local authorities to deal with these matters and reimburse them for any money spent in this connection?

Mr. Powell

Although the hon. Member says that the local authority has no obligation to make good, it has the power to do so, and most local authorities engaged on slum clearance do carry out the necessary work of protection.