HC Deb 07 February 1985 vol 72 cc631-2W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his reply of 11 December 1984, Official Report, column 443, stating his decision not to extend the scope of the Housing (Means of Escape from Fire in Houses in Multiple Occupation) Order (S.I., 1981, No. 1576), if he will (a) list the organisations which made representations to him in the course of his review of the extension of the order, (b) place copies of the responses of all organisations which submitted representations to his review of the order in the Library, (c) state how many of the organisations making representations to his review supported increased statutory protection for households from fire risks and how many opposed this step and (d) give full details of the consultations he held with tenants and occupiers of houses in multiple occupation in the course of his review.

Mr. Gow

Ten organisations outside central Government were consulted:

  • The Association of County Councils
  • The London Boroughs Association
  • The Association of District Councils
  • The Association of Metropolitan Authorities
  • The Greater London Council
  • The Institute of Housing
  • The Housing Corporation
  • The National Federation of Housing Associations
  • The Institute of Environmental Health Officers
and The Campaign for Single Homeless People (on behalf of the Houses in Multiple Occupation Group)

Seven organisations supported an extension to SI 1981 No. 1576, though several attached conditions to their support; none was opposed to an extension.

The hon. Member may wish to ask those organisations about consultations which they had with tenants and occupiers, and whether they wish to supply him with copies of their replies to my Department's inquiries. I am aware of residents' views through correspondence, and from visits which I have made.