HC Deb 22 July 1985 vol 83 c375W
Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he intends to take following representations he has received from the coroner who conducted the inquest into the deaths of Mrs. Karim and her two children at 46 Gloucester Place, London W1.

Sir George Young

When the results of the Department's research on houses in multiple occupation are available, my right hon. Friend will consider whether further measures are necessary, including any for means of escape from fire. In doing so, my right hon. Friend will have the coroner's representations very much in mind. Following consolidation of the Housing Acts, my right hon. Friend proposes to issue guidance to local authorities on their wide-ranging powers for houses in multiple occupation. My right hon. Friend will consider whether, in the light of the tragic fire at 46 Gloucester Place, it is necessary to re-emphasise the advice in DOE circular 25/82 about the need for consultations between authorities.

Mr. Wheeler

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) whether he has received a report from Her Majesty's coroner for Westminister following the inquest into the fire at Gloucester Place, Marylebone, in which a mother and two children died last November; what recommendations to him are contained in Her Majesty's coroner's report; whether he will place a copy in the Library; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what steps he is taking in response to the representations he has received from the city of Westminister concerning the need for legislation to require fire safety precautions in houses in multiple occupation.

Sir George Young

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I have given to the hon. Member for Holborn and St. Pancras (Mr. Dobson) today. I have received representations in the form of a letter from the coroner, which I am studying. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with the agreement of the coroner, will place a copy of the coroner's representations in the Library. As to the representations made by the city of Westminister, I refer my hon. Friend to the letters dated 23 April and 17 June which he has received from my hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction.