§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he is satisfied that local authorities are meeting the requirements of the Housing Act 1980 in ensuring proper means of fire escape in houses in multiple occupation.
§ Sir George YoungThe Housing Act 1980 gives local authorities wide powers to ensure that means of escape from fire in houses in multiple occupation are satisfactory. They are required to exercise these powers in respect of those houses specified in an order made under schedule 24 to the Act (SI 1981/1576). I have no reason to believe that they are not meeting this requirement.
§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps to impose on local authorities the responsibility for ensuring proper means of fire escape in properties in multiple occupation less than three storeys high; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungWe are currently reviewing SI 1981/1576, which imposes a duty on local authorities to exercise their powers relating to means of escape from fire in respect of houses in multiple occupation specified. I will make a statement as soon as possible.