§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how often bed-and-breakfast accommodation, occupied by homeless families, is required to be inspected by an environmental health officer; and what are the provisions under which such an inspection takes place.
§ Sir George YoungSection 605 of the Housing Act 1985, as amended, requires a local authority to consider the housing conditions in their district in this regard at least once a year. It is for each authority to decide on an inspection programme in the light of circumstances.
§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research has been undertaken to establish how many homeless households living in bed-and-breakfast accommodation have refused offers of permanent accommodation since 1989.
§ Mr. BaldryThe Department has conducted no research on this matter in relation to the period in question.