HC Deb 02 November 1983 vol 47 c382W
Mr. Fatchett

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total number of houses in multiple occupation in England towards which local authorities have a duty under S.I., 1981, No. 576 to require their owners to provide adequate means of escape in case of fire; how many notices requiring such works to be undertaken were served by local authorities in 1982 under section 147 of the Housing Act 1980; how many special grants towards the cost of such works were provided by local authorities during (a) 1982 and (b) the first six months of 1983; what was the total amount of special grant paid by local authorities during (a) 1982 and (b) the first six months of 1983; and whether he has plans to increase the statutory protection of tenants of houses in multiple occupation against the risk of fatality or injury as a result of fires.

Sir George Young

The Department does not collect information on the numbers of houses in multiple occupation specified by the order SI 1981/1576; nor on the number of notices served by local authorities which require the provision of means of escape from fire. The number of special grants for means of escape provided by authorities in England was 1,140 in 1982; and 500 in the first six months of 1983 (provisional). The respective amounts paid were £1,640,000; and £820,000 (provisional).

The Department is currently carrying out consultation about a possible extension of SI 1981/1576. Local authorities already have discretionary powers to require the necessary means of escape from fire in all HMOs.

Mr. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will use his powers under schedule 24 to the Housing Act 1980 to ensure that owners of unsafe houses in multiple occupation are required by local authorities to provide effective means of escape in case of fire.

Sir George Young

The Department has already used its powers under schedule 24 to make an order—SI 1981/1576. This inposes a duty on local authorities in respect of the largest houses in multiple occupation to exercise their powers to require the provision of any necessary means of escape from fire. The Department is currently carrying out consultation on a possible extension of the order.