HC Deb 07 December 1970 vol 808 cc45-6W
Mr. Chichester-Clark

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many rent-controlled dwellings are currently in existence; how many have already been classified as slums; how many are potentially suitable for improvement or rehabilitation; and how many are in a fit condition.

Mr. Amery

It has been estimated that in England and Wales there were in December, 1969, some 1.3 million controlled tenancies. On the basis of the 1967 Housing Survey it was tentatively estimated that some 400,000 of these either satisfied the qualifying conditions for decontrol under the Housing Act, 1969. That is, had all the basic amenities and were in good repair having regard to their age, character and locality—or could be improved up to that standard at reasonable cost. There are no figures as to the number which are in a fit condition.