HC Deb 09 December 1987 vol 124 cc175-6W
Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the hon. Member for Walsall, North will receive a reply to his question on no-fines properties due for answer on 25 November.

Mr. Waldegrave

I have answered these questions today.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice is to be given by his Department to the tenants of the Wimpey no-fines properties in Walsall, in the light of his Department's recognition of the unsatisfactory state of these properties, as to what action they should take during the winter months; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

[holding answer 25 November]: The Department has already issued general guidance to householders on remedies for condensation, damp and mould growth. Any tenants who have particular difficulties with heating should discuss these with Walsall metropolitan borough council, who have, I understand been able to help tenants of no-fines houses to apply to the Department of Health and Social Security for assistance.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if further consultations have taken place between his Department and Walsall metropolitan borough council regarding the financial aspects of bringing up to an acceptable standard the Wimpey no-fines properties in the borough; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what further consultations have now taken place between his Department and Walsall metropolitan borough council regarding the technical matters relating to bringing the Wimpey no-fines properties up to satisfactory standard;

(3) if extra funding will now be given to Walsall metropolitan borough council in order that the Wimpey no-fines properties in the borough can be brought up to satisfactory standards; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

[holding answer 25 November 1987]: HIP allocations for 1988–89 will be announced shortly. These will take account of all the information provided by local authorities on technical and financial factors. Both aspects of the repair and improvement of Wimpey no-fines houses in Walsall were raised during the recent HIP round, and there has been no further consultation with Walsall metropolitan borough council since then.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if a Minister from his Department is now willing to receive a deputation from the tenants of the Wimpey no-fines properties in Walsall borough; and if he will make a statement;

(2) if a Minister from his Department now intends to visit the Wimpey no-fines properties in Walsall; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waldegrave

[holding answer Wednesday 25 November]: Officials have provided Ministers with a full report of the earlier meeting with tenants. There would therefore be little purpose in receiving a further deputation at this stage, and there are no plans for Ministers to visit these properties.