HC Deb 19 May 1980 vol 985 cc189-90

"(1) Where a local authority are satisfied that any house in multiple occupation is not capable of providing satisfactory accommodation for the number of individuals or households or both who are for the time being accommodated there, then they shall fix as a limit for the house what is in their opinion the highest number of individuals or households or both who should be accommodated, and give a direction applying that limit to the house.

(2) A direction under the foregoing subsection shall have effect so as to make it the duty of the person having control of the house not to permit the number of individuals or households accommodated in the house to increase above the limit specified in the direction and, if it is for the time being above the number, not to permit it to increase further.

(3) It shall be the duty of the local authority to ensure as soon as may be after the giving of a direction with respect to any house, that suitable alternative accommodation is made available for the number of individuals or households liable to be displaced by the direction.

(4) A local authority may at any time, having regard to any works which have been executed in the house or any other change of circumstances, revoke or vary any direction given under subsection (1) of this section.

(5) If any person knowingly fails to comply with the requirements imposed on him by subsection (2) of this section, he shall be guilty of an offence under this subsection.

(6) The powers conferred by this section shall be exercisable whether or not a notice has been given under this Act.

(7) A direction under subsection (1) of this section may, if made in conjunction with a notice under this Act, specify as a limit the number of individuals or households or both which, in the opinion of the local authority, could reasonably be accommodated in the house if the works specified in the notice were carried out.".—[Mr. A. W. Stallard.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Motion made, and Question, That the clause be read a Second time, put and negatived.

Forward to