HC Deb 13 April 1988 vol 131 cc164-5W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dwellings in each of the six housing executive regions in Northern Ireland are classified as houses in multiple occupation.

Mr. Needham

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that the number of dwellings classified as houses in multiple occupation is not known at present. However, the results of a survey should be available during May 1988.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when a definitive survey of houses in multiple occupation was last undertaken.

Mr. Needham

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that fieldwork on the first large scale survey of houses in multiple occupation was completed at the end of February 1988. The survey looked in particular at the physical condition of such dwellings, the degree of sharing of facilities and profiles of tenants. Results of the survey should be available during May 1988.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tenants live in houses in multiple occupation in(a) Belfast and (b) Northern Ireland.

Mr. Needham

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that information on the number of tenants living in houses in multiple occupation in Belfast and in Northern Ireland will be available only on completion of the analysis of a survey recently carried out.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many tenants live in houses in multiple occupation in each of the following district offices areas in South Down:(a) Downpatrick office area, (b) Kilkeel office area, (c) Newry district 1 office area and (d) Newry district 2.

Mr. Needham

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that this information is not available.

It is unlikely that the survey method employed in a recent survey will enable the disaggregation of information to district council levels.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in how many instances management directions have been made in respect of houses in multiple occupation since the operative date of the 1981 Housing (Northern Ireland) Order.

Mr. Needham

This is a matter for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that no management directives have been issued.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) in which district office areas special grants have been made payable by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive under the 1983 Housing (Northern Ireland) Order in respect of works required for the provision of a means of escape from fire in houses in multiple occupation since the operative date of the order;

(2) how many special grants have been made payable by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive under the 1983 Housing (Northern Ireland) Order in respect of works required for the provision of a means of escape from fire in houses in multiple occupation since the operative date of the order.

Mr. Needham

These are matters for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, but I understand from the chief executive that no special grants have been paid by the Housing Executive in respect of works required for the provision of a means of escape from fire in houses in multiple occupation.