HC Deb 05 November 1974 vol 880 c131W
Mr. R. C. Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will seek to amend the Public Health Act 1936 to give power to local authorities to compel landlords of privately rented accommodation to ensure that the electrical wiring in these premises is in a safe condition.

Mr. Kaufman

Part III of the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act has amended and extended the powers to make building regulations under the Public Health Act 1936 in such a way that the regulations could require the electrical wiring in any buildings to be kept safe; the timing and extent of the use of such powers have many important implications and would require very careful consideration.