§ 20. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, following the publication of the White Paper, Old Houses into New Homes, and in order to avoid slowing down still further the improvement of these houses, he will include in the subsequent legislation to be introduced the compulsory powers to make property owners install baths, hot water and inside water closets which have been omitted from the White Paper.
§ Mr. MacCollIt is generally agreed that the existing compulsory powers have not worked well, and the White Paper proposes a policy relying mainly on persuasion, with compulsory purchase as a reserve power. My right hon. Friend will of course be very pleased to consider any suggestions my hon. Friend wishes to make.
§ Mr. AllaunIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the Public Health Inspectors Association, a body of practical experts, is very concerned that the White Paper proposes to repeal existing powers rather than to streamline them? 262 As many councils, particularly those now Conservative-controlled, would refuse compulsory purchase, would it not be better to have compulsory purchase and the existing machinery invoked?
§ Mr. MacCollThe suggestions of the public health inspectors, who were very constructive and helpful, will be considered by my right hon. Friend before legislation is prepared, but the evidence is that attempts to force through improvements against active obstruction have not worked. It has been a long and tedious operation and, in this situation, it is best to go for compulsory purchase.