§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek to amend section 4 of the Housing Act 1957, relating to the standard of fitness, to include artificial lighting and the standard of amenities.
§ Sir George YoungMy right hon. Friend is not convinced that it would be desirable to amend section 4 221W in this way. Declaring a house unfit can have serious consequences for an owner. It can lead to the loss of a property with only site value being paid in compensation or to the dwelling being closed or demolished. Nor is he convinced that an owner-occupier should be compelled to provide standard amenities if he does not want them. Local authorities already have powers to require the provision of standard amenities in tenanted dwellings.