HC Deb 16 December 1969 vol 793 cc273-4W
84. Mr. Latham

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government how many properties owned by local authorities are still withtout hot water supply; how many are without baths or bathrooms.

Mr. Freeson

I regret that current information is not available, but the position as in 1967 is shown in Table 7 of the Appendix to the White Paper "Old Houses into New Homes".

85. Mr. Latham

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to oblige local authorities to install a hot water supply in properties acquired for demolition or modernisation but which are unlikely to be so demolished or modernised for some years.

Mr. Freeson

The Housing Acts, 1957 and 1969, already empower local authorities to get older houses in their districts impoved even where the normal requirements for life and standards cannot be met. I hope that councils will set a good example by making the fullest possible use of the new generous and more flexible Government contributions to improve their own houses. If a local authority have any special difficulty I will do what I can to help.