§ 55. Mr. Joseph Deanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he intends to use his powers under the Housing Act 1980 to enforce strengthened fire precautions in hostels and lodging houses.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergI am considering the views that have now been put to me, following consultation with the local authority associations and other interested bodies, on the possible making of an order, as provided for in paragraph 1 of schedule 24 to the Housing Act 1980; such an order would specify certain kinds of house in multiple occupation in which local authorities would have a duty, rather than a power as at present, to take action under schedule 24 to provide adequate means of escape. I hope to make an announcement shortly.