§ Mr. Barnettasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, in view of the large number of houses without baths in Heywood, Royton, Crampton, Milnrow, Wardle, Littleborough and Whitworth and of the fact that existing legislation has failed to assist these areas, what action he will now take to remedy the situation.
§ Mr. MellishMy right hon. Friend is asking all local authorities to take vigorous action to improve as many houses as possible. He wants them to use to the full their compulsory powers both to make landlords install baths and to buy houses themselves where necessary. Local authorities got their powers to compel landlords to improve property only last year, and it is too soon to say whether further powers will be needed but he is watching the situation carefully.