§ Mr. Wheelerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on means of escape from fire in houses of multiple occupation.
§ Mr. Dobsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he intends to introduce legislation to strengthen fire and other safety provisions for houses in multiple occupation.
§ Mr. GowThe Government have considered carefully the representations for, and the implications of, an extension to the scope of the Housing (Means of Escape from Fire in Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order (SI 1981/1576). The Government have decided that it would not be appropriate to increase the statutory duties of local authorities at the present time. Local authorities already have powers to require adequate means of escape from fire in houses in multiple occupation and my right hon. Friend looks to them to exercise that power in the light of their knowledge of their area and the resources available to them.