HC Deb 11 July 1973 vol 859 cc360-2W
Sir D. Kaberry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will call for a return to be made by all housing authorities in England and Wales showing the number in each area of properties standing empty and falling into further disrepair consequent upon clearance orders having been made within the last 18 months, and giving an estimate of the number of such houses which could at reasonable expense be restored to a habitable condition.

Mr. Channon

The Government expect local authorities to be conscious of the need to prevent, whenever practicable, houses standing empty or falling into neglect while the statutory procedures preceding clearance are carried out. The Government have also made it clear in the White Paper "Better Homes—The Next Priorities" that they wish to encourage local authorities to phase their renewal programmes by carrying out improvements to sub-standard houses on a scale commensurate with the length of time for which they can reasonably be made habitable. I doubt however whether it would be right at this time to ask local authorities for a return as my hon. Friend suggests; but I will keep the matter under review.

Sir D. Kaberry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied with the implementation of the policy set out in the recent White Papers, Cmnd. 5280 and 5339, particularly with regard to the suggested preservation of existing communities and the renewal of properties previously scheduled for clearance.

Mr. Channon

It is too early to expect full implementation of all the new measures, some of which will require legislation. I am confident that local authorities will take account of the Government's views on planned renewal, as set out in the White Paper (Cmnd. 5339), although the precise measures to be taken in any area can only be determined in the light of local circumstances.

Sir D. Kaberry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will urge local housing authorities to give priority to the reconditioning of house properties within existing communities.

Mr. Channon

Yes. My hon. Frend will have seen the proposals in the White Paper "Better Homes—The Next Priorities". I hope that local authorities in drawing up their housing proposals will have regard to the Government's views on this matter.

Sir D. Kaberry

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will urge local housing authorities not to permit dwelling-houses to remain empty for considerable lengths of time whilst awaiting clearance, but to endeavour to secure their conversion and development in order to supplement the present demand for housing.

Mr. Channon

In the recent White Paper "Better Homes—The Next Priorities", the Government have called upon local authorities to avoid dwellings lying needlessly empty, both in clearance areas and elsewhere. Not all unfit properties awaiting clearance can reasonably be converted or improved; in some cases it would be uneconomic to spend more than is necessary for their temporary use. But in general I agree with my hon. Friend and refer him to paragraphs 15 and 16 of the White Paper which deals with the Government's views on the desirability of improving and converting old property.