§ '.—(1) A local authority may draw up a scheme for the improvement of housing conditions in its area.
§ (2) Such a scheme may contain reference to a standard (to be known as "The Habitation Standard") to which all dwellings should conform.
§ (3) The standard referred to in subsection (2) above shall include, but not be restricted to the provisions of Section 604 of the Housing Act 1985.
§ (4) The standard referred to in subsection (2) above may include the following matters:
- (a) any dwelling should be free from substantial or significant disrepair (including electrical, gas and water supply facilities);
- (b) any dwelling should be substantially free from damp and not prone to condensation;
- (c) any dwelling should have adequate natural and artificial lighting and ventilation in all rooms in circulation areas;
- (d) any dwelling shall have adequate space heating;
- (e) any dwelling should have an adequate supply of wholesome water within the house;
- (f) any dwelling should have within it satisfactory facilities for the preparation and cooking of food, including a sink with a supply of hot and cold water;
- (g) any dwelling shall have a we for the use of the occupants, suitably located within the dwelling;
- (h) any dwelling shall have a suitably located fixed bath of shower provided with a satisfactory supply of hot and cold water;
- (i) any dwelling shall have a suitably located wash hand basin with an adequate supply of hot and cold water;
- (j) any dwelling shall have an effective system for the drainage and disposal of foul, waste and surface water;
- (k) any dwelling shall be so arranged internally as to ensure the safety of the occupants;
- (l) any dwelling shall have satisfactory thermal insulation, and an adequate overall energy performance;
- (m) any dwelling shall have satisfactory sound insulation;
- (n) any dwelling shall be free from progressive instability;
- (o) any dwelling shall, wherever practicable, have a safe electrical supply and installation;
- (p) any dwelling shall be so located that the immediate environmental factors are tolerable;
- (q) the habitable rooms of any dwelling shall comprise a minimum size as specified by the Secretary of State for the Environment;
- (r) any dwelling shall be free from noxious or hazardous substances.
§ (5) Before taking action in pursuance of a scheme drawn up under subsection (1) above, the local authority shall seek the consent of the Secretary of State which shall not be unreasonably withheld.'.—[Mr. Battle.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ Mr. John Battle (Leeds, West)I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.
Parts V, VI, VII and VIII of the Bill refer to housing. If at this late stage of the evening we began to discuss the issue of minimum standards, it might be crowded out of the agenda and not receive a decent debate. I shall not pursue the matter now, but will return to it on Third Reading.
I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion.
§ Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.