§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake a survey of housing to establish how many privately-owned houses are occupied by squatters and how many houses in areas of tension cannot be sold by the owners; and if he will introduce a scheme whereby such dwellings may be bought by the Housing Executive and let to tenants.
§ Mr. Channon:A survey carried out in March, 1972, indicated that some 107 429W privately-owned houses were occupied by squatters. The number of houses in areas of tension which cannot be sold would be difficult to determine but consultations are taking place between the Ministry of Development and the Housing Executive regarding the problems of private owners in certain areas.
§ Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to collect outstanding rents.
Mr. Chanson:Through the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive is making use of Section 1 of the Payments for Debt (Emergency Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland), 1971, whereby social security benefits can be allocated to meet the liabilities of defaulters.