§ Sir B. Janner54, asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware of the collapse of a derelict building on to a boy in New Bridge Street, Leicester, and that such derelict buildings are a constant danger to the public; and what steps he will take 32W with developers and local authorities to ensure that any remains of derelict buildings are left in a safe condition or be completely demolished.
§ Mr. MacCollThis accident was caused by the collapse of a wall which had been left, in the opinion of the local authority, in a safe condition, as a buttress to an adjoining occupied building. Local authorities have powers to deal with dangerous structures, and if my hon. Friend has any evidence to suggest that these powers are not being exercised when they should be, I should be grateful if he would send me particulars.