§ Mr. Lubbockasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government (1) whether he will seek to amend Section 9 of the Housing Act, 1957, to ensure that local authorities require repair of an unfit house even though the house is not occupied;
(2) whether he will send a circular to local authorities regarding the duty of medical officers of health to make official representations under section 157 of the Housing Act, 1957, in cases where an unfit house is not occupied.
§ Mr. MellishLocal authorities have a statutory duty to take action against unfit houses irrespective of whether they are occupied or vacant. My right hon. Friend is advised that the powers are wholly adequate in this respect and he has no evidence that authorities, or their medical officers of health, are failing to take the necessary action.