§ Lord HYLTONasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many of the present housing authorities in England and Wales have so far fully complied with their duty under Section 70 of the Housing Act 1969 (to inspect the housing conditions of their districts); which authorities, if any, have not yet done so; and how they interpret the phrase "from time to time" in Section 70 of the Act.
§ Lord BELLWINI have consulted my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Wales and we are satisfied that the inspections required from time to time by Section 70 are carried out by all local authorities in England and Wales in the course of their day-to-day administration of the Housing Acts in their districts, supplemented where necessary by specific surveys. The interpretation of statute is a matter for the courts.