§ Mr. HOWARDasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider taking action to safeguard the health of those people living in property included in compulsory purchase orders, slum clearance, between the dates of such orders and the demolition of the property, particularly in regard to drainage and water supplies?
§ Sir K. WOODIn addition to their general powers under the Public Health Acts, a local authority can enter on the property mentioned after the expiration of 28 days from the service of "notice to treat" and I have no reason to think that the existing provisions are inadequate to secure the object desired by my hon. Friend.
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§ Mr. HOWARDasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that many occupiers of condemned houses have been paying for years to their landlords that proportion of rent which places a liability on landlords for certain repairs but which have not been carried out; and will he consider the introduction at an early date of legislation to amend this?
§ Sir K. WOODI presume that my hon. Friend is referring to houses to which the Rent Restrictions Acts apply. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that these Acts already contain provisions enabling a tenant to withhold so much of his rent as represents the permitted increase, if his premises are not in a reasonable state of repair. Under these circumstances I do not consider that further legislation is necessary.