HC Deb 05 May 1983 vol 42 c532

Queen's Recommendation having been signified—

Motion made, and Question proposed, That, for the purposes of any Act of the present Session to consolidate and amend the powers of local authorities as regards houses occupied by persons who do not form a single household, to empower the Secretary of State to specify standards to apply to such houses and to confer duties on local authorities to enforce standards in such houses, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament of—

  1. (a) any increase attributable to that Act in the sums which are payable out of such moneys under any other enactment; and
  2. (b) any administrative expenses incurred by the Secretary of State in consequence of the provisions of the said Act of the present Session.

11.45 pm
Sir Brandon Rhys Williams (Kensington)

The Bill was introduced by the hon. Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Marshall), who had the good fortune to be successful in the ballot. It is of particular relevance to hon. Members representing inner London constituencies. I believe that the impulse for the Bill arose out of the disastrous fire in Clanricarde gardens, in Kensington.

On Second Reading the Bill received all-party support. I was pleased to catch Mr. Speaker's eye and express my support for it. The Standing Committee will begin work on Wednesday, and I hope that it will make good progress. Multiple occupation of houses is a big subject for a private Member's Bill. It is a subject that requires legislation, and the Department should take it under its wing. The Minister and his Department have taken careful note of the Bill's intentions. I am sure that the Minister will have in mind the main intentions of the Bill for the Department's legislative programme.

The decision to propose the money resolution is a good sign and a statement of the Department's good intentions towards the measure. The proposal to underwrite the Bill with the necessary funds will be welcomed on both sides of the House.

11.47 pm
The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Sir George Young)

During the debate on the Second Reading I outlined the action that the Government had already taken to improve the standards and availability of houses in multiple occupation. I explained that we had already made some important strengthening of the law in that area.

We very much share the wish of my hon. Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir. B. Rhys Williams) and the sponsors of the Bill to see further improvements in the housing conditions of the most disadvantaged, but, as I said on Second Reading, we have reservations about some of the specific provisions of the Bill, especially their practicability and their cost.

The resolution will enable the Bill to pass to Committee where detailed consideration can be given to its proposals and practicability. As my hon. Friend said, we hope to start work next Wednesday. It will be for the Committee to decide what treatment the Bill then receives.

Question put and agreed to.