§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many substandard houses there are in North Down; how many are in occupation; what progress has been made in rehousing families occupying such accommodation; and, where tenants do not wish to move, what plans exist to improve the accommodation by installing indoor lavatories, hot water systems and other necessary improvements.
§ Mr. David HowellA recent survey indicates that in the North Down area there are about 1,000 houses which are beyond repair and a further 3,300 lacking in certain amenities but capable of improvement.
Of the first category, about 400 houses are at present subject to redevelopment, clearance or closing order procedure; the Northern Ireland Housing Executive intends to deal with the remaining 600 as quickly as possible. It is not possible, without disproportionate effort, to state how many families have been rehoused. The executive is preparing plans for the improvement of the 1,350 public authority houses lacking amenities, and is considering action to stimulate greater use of the available grants to improve the privately owned houses in this category.