§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether, in order to secure a uniform standard of judgment, he will issue a considered basis for the use by local authorities in determining what is meant by "sub-standard houses."
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI would refer the hon. Member to Clause 7 of the Housing Repairs and Rents Bill now before the House.
§ Mr. Mainwaringasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government if, in order to obtain reliable information upon the extent to which sub-standard houses remain in occupation throughout the country, he will issue instructions to local authorities to carry out a survey.
§ Mr. H. MacmillanI would refer the hon. Member to Clause 1 of the Housing Repairs and Rents Bill which is now before the House. Under that Clause I intend to ask local authorities to submit an estimate of the total problem in their areas and an initial programme for slum clearance and repairs. I am aware that complete proposals cannot in many cases be drawn up before a further survey has been carried out, but I consider that the first step should be to get an agreed programme for immediate action.