HC Deb 18 November 1968 vol 773 cc228-9W
Mr. Speed

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government on what date the Ronan Point Report was sent to and received from the printers.

Mr. Greenwood

The report was sent for printing on 14th October. A small first print for Departmental use was received by the Department on 30th October, but it was not possible to complete and distribute sufficient copies for full publication throughout the country until the following week.

Mr. Speed

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government on what date he received the Ronan Point Report from Mr. Hugh Griffiths, Q.C.

Mr. Greenwood

On Monday, 14th October.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that in the light of the inquiry report on the Ronan Point disaster and the submissions made by Mr. Bernard Clark and Mr. W. Frischman, copies of which have been sent to him, residents in these types of block are concerned about their safety; and whether he will seek an early Ministerial radio and television broadcast to answer these submissions and deal with the concern of the residents.

Mr. Greenwood

As I said in the House on 6th November, I am aware that such concern exists and I sympathise with it. I have already by statements in Parliament, by holding a Press conference, and by several appearances on television and radio sought to allay anxiety. Meanwhile, the most urgent need is to press on with the structural surveys recommended by the Tribunal; and I gave local authorities advice about this in a circular dated last Friday, 15th November.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many tower blocks there are built on the same or similar basis as the Ronan Point block; and, since the receipt by him of the inquiry report on the Ronan Point disaster, how many of these blocks have been strengthened, when such work began in each instance and when he expects all blocks to be completed and made safe.

Mr. Greenwood

It was first estimated that in England and Wales there were upwards of 200 completed and occupied blocks of flats built in systems which are the same or basically similar in construction to Ronan Point. These were the blocks which the Tribunal defined as "system built" and recommended should be appraised. Following technical study of its report, I have decided that it would be wise to be doubly sure and to adopt a wider definition. As a result, the number of completed or virtually completed blocks appraised may be something more than 400. Appraisal is going forward urgently and will reveal how many blocks will need to be strengthened. The date when all the work will be completed will depend on the number of blocks shown to be in need of strengthening.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he has now decided upon the question of the finance needed for reinforcing and strengthening the tower blocks built on the Ronan Point basis; and when he expects to make these payments to the local authorities concerned.

Mr. Greenwood

I have already indicated to the local authority associations my willingness to discuss with them the question of paying for remedial work when we have more knowledge of the results of the structural appraisals.