§ 16. Mr. A. J. Irvineasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs whether he is satisfied with the extent to which, in areas of housing shortage, local authorities are exercising their powers under Section 26 of the Public Health Act, 1961, relative to defective premises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CorfieldI do not know the extent to which local authorities are using these powers, but if the hon. Member would like me to look into a particular case I would be glad to do so.
§ Mr. IrvineIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware thatin constituencies like mine the gravest problem arises from the disrepair of terraced houses which are many years old and approaching the end of their useful existence, and that there is a reluctance to expend money on the repair of houses of that character 797 when, perhaps, before long they will have to be demolished and cleared? Bearing that in mind, will the hon. Gentleman recognise the importance of the provisions of the Section referred to in my Question and circularise local authorities inviting them to make greater use of their powers, not necessarily in respect of a particular case, but as a matter of general policy?
§ Mr. CorfieldI accept the hon. and learned Member's argument, but I have no evidence that local authorities are not doing that. I think that there are cases where there is a shortage of staff, about which we are endeavouring to help, but my right hon. Friend's powers to intervene in these matters are very limited.