§ Mr. Joseph Deanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to replace part IX of the Public Health Act 1936 by legislation within the Housing Acts in order to establish and enforce standards for emergency hostel accommodation in line with modern housing provision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StanleyLocal authorities have wide powers under successive Housing Acts for improving standards in hostel accommodation and other houses in multiple occupation. Those powers offer a more satisfactory framework than part IX of the Public Health Act 1936. Local authorities are aware of their powers under the Housing Acts and I do not at present envisage further legislation.