Houses in Multiple Occupation

HC Deb 13 February 2004 vol 418 c26W

Mr. Davey

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the fire risk in houses in multiple occupation of two storeys. [153130]

Mr. Raynsford

Government research published in 1997—Fire Risk in Houses in Multiple Occupation: Research Report—revealed that the risk of death from fire in HMOs of two storeys is about four times less than those of three storeys or more.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has also recently completed a study into the effectiveness of residential sprinkler systems in a range of premises, including houses in multiple occupation. A summary of that project is available from the Building Regulations area of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website. The full report of the work is available from the Building Research Establishment.