§ Sir Brandon Rhys Williamsasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider amending the Fire Precautions Act 1971 to include multi-occupied residential buildings among those requiring fire certificates.
§ Mr. WhitelawMy right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Wales have recently strengthened the law covering fire safety in those larger houses in multiple occupation where the potential risk is greatest. Under an order which came into operation on 3 December 1981, made under schedule 24 to the Housing Act 1980, local authorities now have a duty to exercise their powers to require adequate means of escape from fire in respect of houses in multiple occupation of three storeys or more—excluding basements—with a combined floor area in excess of 500 square metres. In addition, my right hon. Friends and I intend shortly to consult the local authority associations on a circular designed to clarify aspects of the law governing fire safety in houses in multiple occupation and to assist local authorities in carrying out their responsibilities. I do not consider that further legislation is warranted at the present time.