§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the policy of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive with regard to the disposal of its stock of rural dwellings, particularly those lacking the basic amenities of water and sanitation.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe Northern Ireland Housing Executive's policy on sales is currently under review. At present, rural dwellings lacking the basic amenities of water and sanitation—"labourers' cottages"—are offered for sale to sitting tenants provided there is no demand for rented accommodation in the area and none is expected. Purchasers of unfit cottages must undertake to bring them up to a fit standard within two years. Unoccupied cottages may be sold in the open 403W market provided there is no local housing demand. Sales are subject to conditions restricting resale within five years.
§ Mr. McCuskerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses presently owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive do not have a piped water supply, a flush toilet or a bathroom, respectively.
§ Mr. ConcannonIt is estimated that of the 162,000 houses owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive some 4,500 have no flush water closet and 11,500 no bathroom. It is not, however, possible to provide a basis for an estimate of the number of houses without a piped water supply.